Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)

The pressure applied to us as Christians will make us into a crown jewel in God’s royal collection.

I grew up in a small coal mining town in Western Pennsylvania. Though not perceived as such by those of us who grew up there, others in the area viewed it as a rough little town. I got a teaching job in an adjacent county. Once, my Principal, when speaking about my hometown, referred to me as a diamond in the rough. I am unsure if I ever lived up to that description, but hearing those words was nice.

Coal and diamonds are both formed from different forms of carbon. Diamonds have been subjected to extreme heat and pressure—1200 degrees Fahrenheit and 720,000 pounds per square inch. Diamonds become pure carbon, whereas coal has many impurities, and this beautiful gem becomes the hardest material known to man and one of the most valuable.

The Bible reminds us that we should not be caught off guard when we face many 'fiery trials' (1 Peter 4:12 NKJV). These trials can come from external circumstances or from within us. We live in a fallen and rough world. Accusations, misunderstanding, and rejection are all too common and can sometimes intensify the heat and pressure to almost unbearable levels. But remember, the same sun that nourishes plants can also scorch the soil. Our trials can either embitter us or empower us, and the deciding factor is our perspective. They can be the catalyst for our growth and spiritual maturity.

Take heart, my dear brothers, and sisters in Christ; when it seems least likely and you appear to be struggling the most, God is at work in you. Struggle is the name of the game. God may not have created your circumstances now, but he uses them to remove the impurities and conform you to his Image. He is making you into a diamond in the rough in a sick and dying world, reflecting the grace and glory of God, recreating you into one of his crown jewels.

I worked for seventeen years as a missionary with Youth With A Mission.  My missionary work has taken me to Mexico, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Spain, and Ukraine.  I hold a Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Commonwealth University.  [email protected]