They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and I definitely can’t argue with that. 

Despite the price, everything about a diamond is beautiful; from the different cuts, color and sizes to the way it reflects the light and twinkles like a million stars. And not only is it beautiful but it’s strong – in fact the word diamond originates from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which means invincible or indestructible; did you know, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond? And because they are composed of a single element – they are the purest of all gemstones.

No wonder they are so precious.

The thing is, we only see a diamond in its final and purest stage – we don’t actually see the process it had to endure in order for it to become a strong, beautiful, sparkling gem.

Actually, a diamond’s formation begins in the deep depths of the earth’s core where the heat is intense.  It’s from this intense heat and high pressure that it begins to crystalize.  Once formed, the only way for this diamond to reach the earth’s surface from such depths is by deep volcanic eruptions. Once it reaches the surface, it is only able to survive because of the intense heat that it had to endure.

Wow – what a journey that little (or big) gem on your finger or around your neck had to bear.

And what a beautiful picture of how God forms our beauty and strength deep down within.

I know at times I feel more like a cubic zirconia than a bedazzling gem but I know it’s the Lord’s intention and end result for us to shine bright like a diamond.

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” Daniel 12:3

If we love the Lord and have given our life over to him, he promises to transform us – here’s the catch,  the process is not always pretty.

In fact, many of us can relate to the process a diamond has to endure because we’ve undergone it or are going through it now – where the heat is intensified and it feels like we are being scorched; where the pressure is far beyond what we think we can handle and the volcanic eruptions are constant and without warning – but the glorious thing is, God knows exactly what he is doing.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2

Just like with a diamond, our formation and transformation must occur deep down at the core. The heat and the pressure we encounter is necessary for the beauty from within to manifest and oftentimes, the only way God is able to bring it to the surface is through deep volcanic eruptions.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1Peter 4:12-13

If we stand for Christ, we are bound to endure trials and suffering but it’s the end result the Lord is most interested in – it’s the end result where his glory is revealed and we reflect his radiance.

Diamonds may be the most coveted gem on this earth but to God, we are his most coveted gem. When he is through forming us, we will come out invincible, indestructible and in purest form – we will shine brighter than a diamond.

God bless.

Anita Marie