As Christians, we aren’t eliminated from difficulty or pain. But God, the great author of our stories, lets these trials happen to us because they form us into something new, stronger, and better. They prepare us for the greatest troubles a broken world has to offer. In his song “Diamonds”, Hawk Nelson imagines people as dust that God refines through the pressure and the pain, ultimately making them into glittering diamonds. The most precious gems come not from a perfect life, but years of unrelenting pressure. It’s our commitment to make it through the pain that allows us to shine like diamonds.
Though this poem is a year old now, I pray that it blesses you and reminds you to fight through those trials, that despite the hurt you may be going through right now, you’ll come out as a polished diamond.

I had endured each one of my troubles.

All my weaknesses I turned to strengths.

But then You saw I needed some changing.

Like a great lion You arrayed forces!

Swarms of trouble encircled me, causing

Scars, scratches, and tears, and blood, which claimed me.

Yet now I’m glad I have them all, because

Now I am prepared for the next great storm.