Pressure!

There are many life experiences that are not necessarily pleasant, yet unavoidable. With life comes pressures. Some of those pressures we place on ourselves by the kinds of schedules we keep and others simply come with life's varied experiences. Perhaps you are feeling the pressures of the coming end of a school year because of papers to be finished and tests to be taken. Maybe you feel the pressure associated with deciding on a college to go on to, a career to pursue, or other choices that may be associated with some unknowns. Life's pressures can either cause us to pop or make us stronger in the process. They can either break us or MAKE US?

Someone has said, "No pressure, no diamonds." [Mary Case, screenwriter, via June 1, 2011 "Reader's Digest", "Quotes" section ]

The word "diamond" comes from the ancient Greek "adamas", which means "unbreakable." According to Wikipedia, "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." It takes the pressure and the heat to create these strong and beautiful diamonds from carbon or minerals containing carbon.

Though we might wish to avoid the pressures, there is benefit we receive by going through them that might not arise any other way. Sometimes people are referred to as "a diamond in the rough." They are still in the process of becoming what will one day shine brightly. Many times that kind of growth comes through the experiencing of difficult times. Adversity has a way of maturing and strengthening in ways only it can. Life's challenges play a great role in MAKING US what and who we are?

As Peter addressed the hope those to whom he wrote trusted in, he stated. . .

"(6) In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by VARIOUS TRIALS, (7) so that the TESTED GENUINENESS OF YOUR FAITH -- MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD that perishes though it is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ( 1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV)

Might that GROWING FAITH also be said to be more precious than diamonds? James also addressed the life benefit that comes through the endurance of trials. ( James 1:2-4) They are a part of the MATURING PROCESS; part of that which MAKES US what we are! Praise God for His aid and guidance as we go through the process of becoming more of what He has destined us to be!

Have a great day TRUSTING GOD THROUGH THE PROCESSES THAT ADD SPARKLE TO OUR LIFE!
Carl

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