The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. (NIV) Isaiah 9:2
As we contemplate the current events in the world, we can feel like we are surrounded by darkness-wars, rumors of wars, sicknesses and even new epidemics spreading, struggling economies, corruption, fraud, our lives seemingly in the hands of careless politicians. Despite all these challenges, God told me He is making “Diamonds in the darkness”, God is reiterating that He alone is sovereign and His will, for the world will be done.
As I researched how diamonds are formed one of the first things that struck me was that diamonds are formed in darkness without the hand of man. Pure, strong and valuable diamonds have an attraction to all in society because of their splendor. For some of this darkness is the wilderness into which the Holy Spirit has called us to prepare us for a time such as this. For others, this darkness is persecution and oppression. And others this might just be the fire of testing and pruning. Whatever your situation I hope you can find comfort and peace in the following word and know that God is with you in the fire.
Diamonds are formed under immense pressure and temperature.
1. If you believe that you have a calling of God on your life you will have had to walk a path of the sacrificing what you might have deemed comfortable for your life and submitted to the plans and purposes of God on your life, which I believe surpass any plans that we might have come up on our own. In Isaiah 53:5-7(ESV) we can see that by Jesus’s wounds we are healed but I believe that the wounds of our lives can also bring healing to others who are walking through the same battles. Sometimes we struggle to understand why we have to go through some things but this is easily understood if we realize that our struggles can bring understanding and empathy to the lives of others.
2. Under high temperature our faith is tested, impure motives are rooted out so that God can entrust with the stewardship of what he has called us to.-2 Corinthians 3:13(ESV)What was meant to harm or destroy you will be eradicated from your life that no-one will even be able to guess(or smell) that you survived the blazing fire.-Dan 3:27(ESV)
3. The heat drives out the enemies that would lie dormant and wait for an opportune time to hinder us but even their poisonous bite cannot kill us!-Acts 28:7(ESV)
4. Trusting God roots us in peace and contentment when everything around us seems to be burning.-Jeremiah 17:7-8(ESV)
Your purity determines your strength.
1. Know that we are in the midst of a ferocious battle against the kingdom of darkness -Eph 6:12(ESV)
2. This very battle is for our faith and the only way our faith gets stronger is by being tested. A tested faith leads to steadfastness-1 Timothy 6:10-11; James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:6(ESV)
3. The hardness of a diamond depends on the environment it was formed in. Contaminate synonyms (Google)-defile, influence, adulterate, corrupt, stain, poison, taint, infect, foul, impair, spoil, soil, and tarnish. Because of the heat diamonds are not contaminated in their formation process. This is not religious rituals but disciplining ourselves from the things that might affect our purity. Abstinence is an antidote for assimilation into the world system.-(Daniel 1:8) (ESV).
4. Purity is not a facade but a heart condition-Matthew 15:18(ESV)
5. Diamonds can only scratch other diamonds. The greatest hurts and opportunities for offense usually come from those closest to us. No matter how gifted you are you need the gifts of others just as they need yours. Diamonds need to support one another.
Diamonds uniquely disperse light.
1. The love of God is steadfast so we can lean on it in times of suffering, If He descended into hell for us what else will He not do?- Psalms 86:13; Ephesians 4:10(ESV)
2. I believe all who find themselves as diamonds in darkness are those who reflect the glory of God in a unique way-(Matthew 5:14) (ESV). People will witness the brilliance on you which is the glory of God but they won’t know about the battles you have gone through to be able to carry that glory.-John 3:21; 8:12(ESV)
Diamonds walk in the anointing.
1. Diamonds are carried to surface violently after years of formation-Romans 8:18-25(ESV)
2. Patience is a product of love and love leads to gentleness.1 Corinthians 13:4; Psalms 40:1, Matthew 11:12(ESV)
3. Diamonds take long to form and if you are carrying something remember pregnancy is a test of patience and patience is a marker of the true Christian experience.-Psalms 139:12-14; Romans 12:12
4. False diamonds are quickly recognized because they cannot stand the heat that a real diamond can-there has to be a real commitment to the process and maturing in whatever direction God has called you to, beware of those who would want you take the short cut with them.-Matthew 7:15(ESV). Should opposition arise these would also not be able to stand because they have not received the grace-Daniel 3:27-(ESV)
5. Diamonds are polished slowly so that they don’t get damaged. God knows what He is doing and the correct timing.
Diamonds are presence dwellers.
1. Diamonds are found close to water. Jeremiah 17:8-(ESV)Water symbolizes the refreshment that is found by spending time with Jesus.-John 4:14, John 7:38-(ESV)
2. Diamonds know how to be still. Psalms 23-(ESV)
3. Redemption is a promise to those who are crushed but who take refuge in the presence of God-Psalms 34:18(ESV)
The main use of diamonds is jewelry. Isn’t it fantastic that we can be seen as God’s jewelry? We are the sparkle that lights up His day which is eternity. We are here for a time such as this for the glory of God. We are here to enrich and enhance others as God calls us the salt and the light. Matthew 5:13-(ESV). The ones who have carried the prophetic calling and words of God for so long. Maybe as you have read this you have felt that it is not for you but I want to encourage you that you are a diamond in God’s eyes, now let your light shine so others can see the glory of God.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (ESV) Isaiah 60:1-3