I read this devotion, a couple of days ago, from one of my longtime, daily favorites, Streams in the Desert. As many of you know, we are going through one of the hardest times of our lives. But God has been so faithful to me...to us. He has spoken so many promises over our lives and given us such hope. As I read this devotion, I just added it to the stack of all the other great ways God has held us and encouraged us over the past several weeks. Maybe it will mean something to one of you as well.
April 17
"The hand of the Lord hath wrought this." (Job 12:9)
"Several years ago there was found in an African mine the most magnificent diamond in the world's history. It was presented to the King of England to blaze in his crown of state. The King sent it to Amsterdam to be cut. It was put into the hands of an expert lapidary. And what do you suppose he did with it?
He took the gem of priceless value, and cut a notch in it . Then he struck it a hard blow with his instrument, and lo! the superb jewel lay in his hand cleft in twain. What recklessness! What wastefulness! What criminal carelessness!
Not so. For days and weeks that blow had been studied and planned. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, its defects, its lines of cleavage had all been studied with minutest care. The man to whom it was committed was one of the most skillful lapidaries in the world.
Do you say that blow was a mistake? Nay. It was the climax of the lapidary's skill. When he struck that blow, he did the one thing which would bring that gem to its most perfect shapliness, radiance, and jewelled splendor. That blow which seemed to ruin the superb precious stone was, in fact, its perfect redemption. For, from those two halves were wrought the two magnificent gems which the skilled eye of the lapidary saw hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mine.
So, sometimes, God lets a stinging blow fall upon your life. The blood spurts. The nerves wince. The soul cries out in agony. The blow seems to you an appalling mistake. But it is not, for you are the most priceless jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled lapidary in the universe.
Some day you are to blaze in the diadem of the King. As you lie in His hand now He knows just how to deal with you. Not a blow will be permitted to fall upon your shrinking soul but that the love of God permits it, and works our from its depths, blessing and spiritual enrichment unseen, and unthought of by you." - J.H. McC.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
3 comments:
Wow that's amazing! It reminds me of a similar study that talks about a silver/gold smith. He knows it's refined by the reflection. This is great Robin. Miss seeing you and I'm praying for you guys all the time. God is so good and gracious and merciful.
I love "Streams in the Desert"! This has motivated me to dust it off and get it out...thanks for sharing and hang in there, sis...
What did we really think that it meant, "our redeemer lives," but that He is living ever and redeeming us...still?! Savior, redeemer, do your thing!!
To think He could see ahead and still He saves us from ourselves. Bring on the pain that leads to purity!
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