Diamonds are valuable because of what they go through to become diamonds. We have inherent value because of our Maker, and oftentimes the pressure reveals not what is in us but what is in God. That’s when we find out what we are made of, but also what God is made of.

If I had my way, I’d settle for a pressure-free existence. I’d rather not have any hardships or go through any trials. But God knows better than I what is best for me and what will make me more like Jesus. So I can trust God’s plans that I may or may not fully understand at the moment. I can trust the heart of God when I can’t see His hand at work.

Jesus said that it’s not a matter of if but when that we will have suffering and trials. But He also said that He’d be with us through the worst of it. He said that the end result will make whatever we go through to get there so much more than worth it.

“Now I’m just an old chunk of coal
But I’m gonna be a diamond some day
I’m gonna grow and glow ’til I’m so blue pure perfect
I’m gonna put a smile on everybody’s face

I’m gonna kneel and pray every day
At least I should become vain along the way
Hey, I’m just an old chunk of coal now Lord
But I’m gonna be a diamond some day” (Billy Shaver).