Diamonds….are amazing, right??? I mean, they sparkle and shine and if you get a good one (cause some of them aren’t worth what they look), it’ll cost you “a pretty penny”. When couples intend to marry, the groom to be goes looking for the “perfect” diamond to present to the lady in his life. He wants it to be the best that he can offer (you know they say that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”). Yes, diamonds are gorgeous but they cost.
Do you know how a diamond is formed? They are formed at high temperatures and under intense pressure within the earth. And it takes billions of years to form them. Yep…so you don’t just happen upon a diamond while taking a walk on a breezy day.
Pearls…my personal favorite and a fan favorite of girly girls everywhere! Pearls are delicate and can accent just about anything; outfits, walls, tables…anything. I have a string of pearls that belonged to my paternal grandmother. You can see the wear in them, but she was born in 1913 so go from there in figuring out how old they are…lol. I only wear them for SUPER special occasions and I keep them put away. Why? Because they are special, they are valuable to me. Pearls are classic, so they never go out of style.
How are pearls made? Well, when a parasite or another irritant gets inside an oyster, the oyster begins to coat the irritant with a natural fluid, as a defense mechanism. It coats with several layers until a pearl is formed. Yeah…not a cute process. And, depending on the type of pearl, it can take between 1 and twenty years to form.
Rubies, the “precious stone” that every girl aspires her “price” to be “far above”. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10) Rubies are another gorgeous stone that looks good, sparkles, and shines. To some, they may seem less in demand and more of something that your grandmother would have in her jewelry box than something you would see in your girl’s necklace. But they are still amazing,
nonetheless.
Rubies are made from aluminum oxide. Like diamonds, rubies are formed under extreme heat and pressure under the earth. The presence of other substances create the deep colors in the rubies.
Why Alecia…WHY do I care about these stones or jewelry if I’m not wearing it??? Well, glad you care to ask! 😉 You see, all of the aforementioned stones go through a process in order to form. A tedious process is necessary for them to reach their full potential. Even down to the amount of time it takes for them, is a process in itself. Heat, pressure, irritation….all necessary for these to form and be of value. Without the time and pressure, there would be no “diamonds and pearls” (HA! Sorry…but yeah…lol), or rubies. With rubies, if certain elements are present, they won’t form at all.
Okay…where do you come in? Well, you are like these precious stones. You are currently going through a process…one where it seems there is so much heat that you’ll suffocate. It feels like you’ve been in this furnace for YEARS and that you’ll never be released. Like the oyster, you get irritated by “parasites” that seem to surround you and cause you anguish. And the pressure…let’s not even get started on the pressure you’re experiencing! At times, it seems like even those close to you don’t “value” you the way they should and they don’t take care of you as if your worth is priceless. Your faith is depleting because God has made you ALL THESE PROMISES and all you see is the fire and a falling forest around you.
You see, just as the diamond, the pearl, and the ruby need pressure, heat, and/or irritation to form, so do you! You NEED all that you are experiencing in order for God to make and mold you into what He has called and created you to be. And your faith, when you go through situations in life and God is able to perfect you…when He brings you out or when you see others make it through, it increases your faith. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:3) Verse four goes on to say, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The New Living Translation says, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1: 3-4, NLT)
I know it’s “hot”, but please be like Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego and declare that, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” (Daniel 3:17, NLT) We must KNOW that God can and WILL save us from whatever situation we face and from what ever enemy stands against us. Know that, not only will He deliver us, but He will get right in that fire with us! “He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have not hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (Daniel
3:25) Then…look at how GREAT God is…when you are released from that furnace, you won’t even show effects of the flames! You will have experience, increased faith, and a testimony, but He won’t let you burn! “Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” (Daniel 3:27, NLT) You won’t even SMELL like what you’ve been through!!!
So don’t fall into the trap of discouragement…you’ll come through and you’ll sparkle! “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) And don’t get trapped in pride and act s if you’re making it on your own. It is ONLY by the grace of God that you are making it now (even if you feel it’s only by a thread). Your finish will be greater than your start! “Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
So, my precious diamond…pearl…ruby (whatever suits your fancy), go forth and thrive! Thrive in the earth, under pressure, and in this heat! Happy Friday!
Love y’all (I really do!),
Ms. A.M.White
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