What woman doesn’t love diamonds?!  Last Christmas, my husband gave me a gorgeous pair of one carat diamond solitaire earrings. They are breathtaking.  Simple, crystal clear, and beautiful.  They were my first pair of expensive earrings that I would treasure for a lifetime!  

Recently, I was putting on these diamond earrings and pondered why they were so valuable.  Why exactly did they command such a costly price tag?  After all, they are small in size, weigh almost nothing, and not useful for anything beyond adornment.  Practically speaking, they don’t compare to much else that can be purchased at the same price point!  

Even so, diamonds are considered precious and continue to be the most valuable per carat of all gemstones. They draw a great deal of attention and have been used decoratively for ages.  

So, a little bit about diamonds……  

These pricy little gems form far beneath the earth’s surface when carbon deposits are subject to high temperature and pressure, crystalize, and form diamonds.  Once mined, diamonds are notable for their hardness and excellent light dispersion.  Both characteristics make them highly desirable for jewelry.  Although diamonds themselves are not considered rare, high-grade diamonds – those with exceptional color and clarity – are fewer and harder to find.  It is these wholly crystalized diamonds, nearly colorless and flawless, that are greatly sought after and expensive!  

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Quite like the journey of a diamond, so too is the journey of our faith walk.  It’s a transformation.  The Oxford Dictionary defines transformation as “a thorough or dramatic change.”  In the case of diamonds, the more fully transformed (crystalized) a diamond, the higher the grade.  In our faith walk, the more fully transformed a person, the more exceptional your life; one that is resilient and sparkles to those around us. 

I want to sparkle for God.  We should all want to sparkle for God.  But, as James so thoughtfully wrote, unless you are willing to remain steadfast under the trials of life, you cannot receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  

Over the course of our lives, every single one of us will experience intense pressure; illness, finances, kids, relationships, work, etc.  The list is endless.  These pressures create stress loads within our daily life that can be incredibly difficult.  It’s hard, I know.  Incredibly hard, I get it.  I’ve had my share of trials and undoubtedly have more ahead.  But, I’ve learned that the only way to develop the Godly character essential to an exceptional life, one where we shimmer brightly like the diamond, requires a steady commitment to faithfulness under this pressure. And, we must do this all while holding onto the promise that God has something far more valuable for us on the other side.  

Friends, be encouraged by the words of James!  Continue to hold on to this promise far above the pressures of life, waiting expectantly for your reward!