God’s Jewels (Part 2)

"Take a look at this. This is a diamond!" said Mr. Billings, holding up a dull-looking rock. The kids in his Sunday school class looked surprised as they passed it around. The rock looked a lot like a rock they'd find on the side of the road. "Most diamonds look dull like this when they come from the mines," Mr. Billings told them. "Before this diamond can flash and sparkle, I have to cut many little sides, or facets, in it. Each one must be just the right size and angle to bring out its full beauty. Let me show you." The class grouped around Mr. Billings. He showed them how he had to decide where to split away the rough, unimportant parts and leave smooth facets on the stone. "See how much better this is beginning to look?" he asked after making several cuts. "It has a long way to go, but you can begin to see what it will become." He turned toward the kids. "Here's what I want you to remember. God is also working on His jewels--Christians. What do you think I mean by that?""That God works in our lives to make us more like Jesus?" said Bo.Mr. Billings nodded. "Yes. When we first come to Jesus and trust Him to save us, we're like a rough, uncut gem. Then God begins to develop Christian character in us through our day-to-day experiences. Sometimes He uses trouble and tough times to polish us and make us more like Him. But there's a big difference between my cutting and polishing and His. Can you guess what?""I think I know," said Kylee. "God would never make a wrong cut--He never makes a mistake.""Good answer!" said Mr. Billings. "And another difference is that we're not lifeless like this diamond is. We have a choice--we can become bitter about what happens and fight back or we can trust the Lord to shape our lives. Even though the cutting and polishing may hurt sometimes, He knows what He's doing. He knows what's best for us. And it takes a long time--our whole lives--before He's finished. Trust Him to use all your life experiences to shape you into something beautiful." –Mary Rose Pearson