These are all words to describe a diamond, a precious jewel. To an untrained eye, a raw diamond may have no beauty. It is cloudy, it is often yellow or brown, and it can look dirty. Diamonds being mined can often be overlooked because they can look just like a dirty rock. This is where the term “diamond in the rough” comes from, the diamond has beauty within it, but can’t be seen until it has gone through the refining process; it needs to be cleaned up a bit.
The urban dictionary describes a “diamond in the rough” this way, “Someone (or something) that has hidden exceptional characteristics and/or future potential, but currently lacks the final touches that would make them (or it) truly stand out from the crowd. The phrase is metaphorical and relates to the fact that naturally occurring diamonds are quite ordinary at first glance, and that their true beauty as jewels is only realized through the cutting and polishing process (2021)”.”
Just like a diamond, your greater beauty is within you. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
It’s no wonder that diamonds are one of the hardest substances on Earth because of the violent volcanic eruption to get it to the Earth’s surface and the extreme temperatures they have to withstand. Many of us have developed under pressure too. Have your trials made you stronger?
God created women to be sensitive beings, but do not confuse that as being weak. God created you to be strong and resilient, to stand in your faith.
The process a diamond must go through is brutal, but necessary for it to become beautiful and strong, it is the same for us. Diamonds must go through stages of planning, cleaving (which is cutting it into pieces), grinding, polishing, and inspecting. If it doesn’t pass inspection, it goes back for more work.
God has a plan for you. But you must cleave to Him and let him cut out the parts of your life that aren’t pleasing to Him. John 15:2 tells us that Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. Allow Him to prune you, or polish your rough edges, and refine you. So that you can shine for his glory.
Very few diamonds are free of imperfections. We all have imperfections. These are the characteristics of the stone and affect its appearance. Clarity is what makes diamonds so unique. God created each of us to be unique as well.
You are precious, you are beautiful, you are loved. God sees you through your imperfections. He sees you in the midst of your mess. But He sees you, His precious daughter, His precious jewel. He sees your struggle, He sees your pain, and He is right beside you every moment. Emerge from what holds you back. He wants you to surrender completely so that you can walk in the fullness of Him. He desires to use you and longs to see you reach your full potential. Shine bright like a diamond and radiate God’s love to those around you. Let others see your Beauty, fire, radiance, brilliance, and sparkle....
Thank you Lord, for seeing my beauty beneath my mess. You love me despite my imperfections. Help me cleave to you, and help me to allow you to refine and polish my rough edges. Help me shine for you and let others see the brilliance of you. Amen
Reflect: Where are you in the refining process? Are there areas in your life that you need to allow God to cut away in order to reveal the you that He is calling you to be?
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