Diamonds have a fairly ordinary start. In fact, carbon is one of the most common elements known to man. But, it takes the extreme conditions in the molten rock of the Earths mantle to form a diamond. Carbon must be placed under at least 435,113 pounds per square inch (psi or 30 kilo-bars) of pressure at a temperature of at least 752 degrees Fahrenheit (400 Celsius) for the process to be successful. If the temperatures are too low or the pressure too lite, a completely different stone is created.
The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek αδάμας (adámas) meaning ”proper”, “unalterable”, “unbreakable, untamed”, from ἀ- (a-), “un-” + δαμάω (damáō), “I overpower, I tame”. This is an accurate title for they are the hardest naturally occurring material known to man and are used in everything from surgical equipment to drill bits. They don’t get this way overnight, though. The diamonds on your favorite piece of jewelry, if naturally occurring, are probably millions of years old.
After their harsh creation underground, they are violently forced to the Earths surface by volcanic eruptions. They are sometimes found on the floor of volcanic craters, at the base of river beds or even at the bottom of the ocean. They may lay there unnoticed for years until the hand of a miner extracts it from the murky depths.
Ounce found, it’s journey is not yet complete. It must be processed to become a sparkling gem ready for presentation. First it is planted in a cement to prepare it to be cleaved and cut into its proper shape. Then using saws, hammers and sometimes even lasers, the redundant pieces are removed to expose its true beauty. It takes a skilled craftsman with a steady hand to complete the task. If done incorrectly, the stone will shatter. Lastly it is polished to give the diamond a lustrous, finished look.
Diamonds are rated by what is know in the industry as the “four C’s”. Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. They are also judged by transparency and dispersion of light.
So why all this talk about precious stones? Because you, My Friend, are a “Predestined Diamond”. There is a common misconception among the general public that in order to become something significant in this world, you have to come from something significant. The truth of the matter is, that you can have a very humble beginning and finish as lustrous and as valuable as a diamond. This is what the Book of Zechariah has to say about the subject.
10“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin….” Zechariah 4:10 NLT
You are NOT an accident. You are predestined. How can I be so sure? Because even at your conception, out of the millions of possibilities that could have been, only youcompleted the race. You were the one whom God fashioned in your mothers womb. You are the one who survived the trials and pitfalls of youth. If you are here today reading this, how can you, this moment, this blog, your life be a mistake? How can it be all one big cosmic accident? The reality of it is that it cant be. You are here by His Divine intentions. Called for a Holy purpose.
Also like the diamond, you may have had a rough upbringing. You may have been born on the wrong side of the tracks. You could have been abused as a child or made a social outcast. Maybe you are facing a difficult time in your life right now. It could be from divorce, or illness, or persecution for your belief in God. Don’t fret, My Friend. God has not forgotten you.
8″We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 NIV
16″Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
Things may look bad right now, but you have a future in Christ. Your trials are creating in you precious stones called perseverance, character, and hope. And they cannot be easily broken.
3″Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5 NIV
The Bible says you will receive a reward for persevering under great trials.
2″Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
12″Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
Like the diamond, you may have become lost, displaced, or forgotten in the pits of life. I am here to tell you, Beloved, that there is a hand that can rescue you from the murky depths of confusion and from the torrent rivers of life. It Belongs to Jesus Christ. He can take you from the problems and worries of the past and wash away all of the grit and grime of sin and pain. You just have to accept Him and allow him to have his way in your life. He will plant you in a church and with His skilled hands carefully remove anything that is not of Him. This will help expose your true beauty. It may hurt at times, but His grace and mercy will ensure that you don’t break under pressure. He will continuously polish you with the Word until you have a lustrous finish that not only makes you transparent but one that will also easily disperse the light of Jesus Christ.
Diamonds are precious and so are you. Life may have had its fare share of upsets and disappointments, but know that God is in control. The God that can turn the most ordinary substance into one of the worlds most precious stones is the very same God that can turn your most difficult trial into triumph. If you have never asked Jesus Christ to come into your life, please choose to do so now. There is nothing spooky or super spiritual about being Saved. Its just confessing with your mouth and believing with your heart that Jesus Christ not only died for your sins, but was resurrected by God. It’s a commitment to living a lifestyle pleasing to Him. If you are ready to make this commitment, ask Him to come into your life. I promise you wont regret it. Be Blessed, My Friends. Be an Overcomer!
Bro. Jason Z. Hunt
Memory Verse: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
Memory Word: “Perseverance”: –noun 1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 2. In theology, a continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
Inspiring Music: “Zion” (Lets Go Up) by Voices of Unity on the Blessed and Cursed Soundtrack and “Chisel Me” by DJ Official featuring Thi’sl, K Drama, Json, and Tedashii
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