Some jewels may be made from rocks and crystals; other jewels might be mined out of the earth, but not so with pearls. Unlike other gems, pearls are drawn from something that’s alive! Pearls are produced by a life that has overcome affliction,that has overcome suffering. Little wonder they are so valuable! -Joni Eareckson Tada

I found this inspiring bit of info in a devotional from the shelves of the Lamplighter. I’ve always been blessed by Joni’s testimony. She hasn’t let her paralysis keep her from serving God and other people, no matter how painful or inconvenient and despite discouragement. God is her Master-her problems are not! The devil would have us believe that we are slaves to something temporary and fleeting. But this world will pass away with the thing that seems to be larger than life right now. I’ve asked the Lord in recent days to change my vision. “Refocus,Annie!”, I tell myself. “Get your God back in His rightful position, front and center and BIG!” If we could only see what He’s doing through the “affliction and suffering” we face. Could it be that these fiery days are necessary times? I believe so. I have a sneaky suspicion that He’s shaping the pearl:) He’s making a testimony to glorify Himself. He’s teaching victory through the Spirit of graciousness, mercy, and forgiveness. Those lessons can only be learned by coming in contact with “rough sands”. Hold on, sister! Press on, bro! He’s making the pearl. Why does he choose us? I will never know. Nothing but understanding that His love is unconditional comes close in our feeble minds to explain why He wouldn’t just throw us away and POOF!- create a shiny new pearl for himself without a scar or blemish. Thankfully, that’s not how grace works! Mercifully, He allows us to be tested and tried, because He has something beautiful in mind:) He’s making the pearl. Rom 8:18 -For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Wow, my eyes fill with tears as I type this knowing so many, including myself, are feeling the potter’s hands strip away the broken and damaged pieces of clay and begin to mold His work of art. A jewel in the making, yet already purchased with blood-the only blood that can save.