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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, September 23, 2008
PRICELESS DIAMOND
The Hope diamond is on display in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. It is the most beautiful blue diamond in the world. When a visitor asked what the value of this diamond was, the answer came back, "It is priceless. it is our own; it belongs to America. It is ours forever."
When I read this I immediately thought about you and me. You may wonder why since we certainly have our flaws. This is true, we do, but we are diamonds in the rough. We are diamonds of our Lords choosing and making and we belong to Him. Romans 8:29 tells us that Christ is working through all the situations and circumstances of our life to conform us to His image."For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
It is interesting to notice how diamonds are cut. The center of the diamond cutting industry is in Amsterdam, Holland. The cutter has to decide whether to split a diamond or to saw it. If he chooses to saw the diamond, he uses a revolving bronze disc with an edge which has been treated with olive oil and diamond dust. Only diamond dust is hard enough to wear down a diamond.
Our Lord is constantly in the process of "cutting and sawing" us that we might become more like Him. The more facets a diamond has the more it is worth. The reason is simply because the more facets, the more light it reflects. The Lord has said we are the light of this world. That means we are the spiritual lights in a world of spiritual darkness and sin. The more we become like Him, the more His light and life shows through us to those lost around us.
The process of refining a diamond takes time. The great Pitt diamond was reduced from 410 carats to 136 and it took two years of planning and work to accomplish this task. It takes a life time of using other people (other diamonds in the making) to "grind away" our old sinful nature for the Lord to form us to His likeness. If we could just understand what is really going on when we have to deal with difficult people and annoying circumstances, maybe we would not get so frustrated or even angry. Maybe we would yield to the Master's hand sooner. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Our Lord never applies the "saw" to the wrong place or for too long a time. He makes no mistakes. When we are in the "forming process", don't focus on the things the Lord is using, but rather focus on Him. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3
He loves you unconditionally and He is working for your good. You have absolutely no reason to mistrust Him. So, trust Him and yield to His hand. Then one day you will be a priceless diamond reflecting the wondrous life of Jesus Christ to those around you. You are His forever!!
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3
POINT TO PONDER:In the difficulty you are now experiencing, what are you focused on; what are your thoughts consumed with most of the time? Is He your comfort and strength?
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- Sandy Hastings September 23, 2008 |
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