James 1:2
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds”
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In this scripture James suggests that we should consider all our trials and tribulations with joy! We read it and we wonder – why would he say that? I asked God – show me Lord …
I saw a diamond lying amongst a heap of black coal. At first I was struck by the beauty of the diamond and by how much it stood out against the black of the coal around it. Then I realized what God was showing me and I was reminded that diamonds and coal are made up from the same substance – carbon. But diamonds are formed when carbon has been under extreme pressure for a long time.
“Most natural diamonds are formed at high-pressure high-temperature conditions existing at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 120 mi) in the Earth mantle. Carbon-containing minerals provide the carbon source, and the growth occurs over periods from 1 billion to 3.3 billion years (25% to 75% of the age of the Earth).” (See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond).
High quality coal, i.e. anthracite, have a bit of a shine to it, but when placed next to a diamond it just cannot compare to the brilliance and beauty. Coal shatters easily into dust and is consumed when it comes in contact with fire. But a diamond cannot be shattered or consumed by anything. Consider again what it is that creates a diamond from the same elements of matter than coal, i.e. carbon:
- Extreme pressure
- Extreme heat
A piece of coal/carbon that can withstand all of this long enough becomes a diamond. The pieces of coal that shatters becomes fuel for fire and will be consumed completely.
In comparison to coal, diamonds are very rare and very valuable. Such is the true Born-again believer, formed and scuplted through many trials and tribulations they become like diamonds in a world full of mediocrity and evil. Every piece of coal has the potential to become a diamond if it “experiences and survives” the same conditions! Many people call themselves Christians, but only few live the life and walk the talk of being a child of God. Only those that can withstand the trials and tribulations of this world really become strong and able to shine the light of Jesus in this world. Are you becoming a diamond that shines brightly for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ? Are you able to withstand the pressures/troubles in your life to become a jewel in Jesus’s crown? Let us all strive to become just that. There are many examples of how pressure, trials and tribulations turn out for our good. So then, let us “consider it pure joy” when we face our trials and tribulations and look for the good and beautiful that will come from it.
“And we know that he works all things together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
(Romans 8:28 ISV)
