Rare things hold incredible value.

As a matter of fact, some of the most valuable things upon this earth such as Pearls, Gold, and Diamonds first start off completely buried and entirely hidden where their existence hasn’t been made known to man…yet.

Think about the life of a Pearl and how it is obtained. It starts off hidden in a process of refinement within an Oyster and ends up in a showcase to be sought after by the world. Divers not only have to go to great depths to find the right Oysters, but they also have to go through the incredible process of extracting the Pearl. Yet, the value is great so the work is worth every moment.

What about the process of Gold? Miners have to dig into the depths of the earth and shuffle past large amounts of dirt to find gold among dust and clay. Gold can also be found within large rocks. Fine chiseling must be done at precise angles to ensure the Gold can be extracted out of the rock at the proper time without any harm being inflicted. Then, because there are still many impurities, the Gold must be cleaned and sent through fire in order to be purified.

I left the example of the diamond for last because it is most dear to my heart. The process of a Diamond has always demanded my attention. It has always provoked my interest. You see, in the beginning, a diamond is merely carbon but is also known as the hardest mineral on earth. However, like all things, a process is attached to determine the beautiful outcome. When the diamond goes through the process of extreme temperatures, diligent mining, precise cutting, and then firm polishing, it becomes the most precious and sought after gemstone in the all the world. It’s beauty and value far exceeds it's originality before the process it had to endure to become what it is the day that it is placed in that display case. It has a remarkable story to tell. Its journey is breathtaking.

You know, that diamond is a lot like you.

There was a time where you didn’t feel like you were much of anything. Unnoticed by the crowd, if you had to place all your chips on one determination you could have sworn you were invisible to everyone around you. The world hardened your heart, and your hope for a future to come was bleak.

Yet, God saw more and when God sees more, that is enough.

And so through the furnace of affliction and fire, He began to purify you in the secret and hidden place. Old traits, wrong mindsets, and all insecurities began to swiftly melt away from your true form. Yet, still hidden, you were covered from the sight of all things seen to the natural eye. You felt as though you were as normal as they come, but deep inside you were unaware of the treasure soon to be found.

Soon, the process of extraction came.

Very Slowly, God began to pull you out. He pursued you with specific intention and radical determination. You had never known such love! No human being had ever attempted to win your heart in such an extravagant way. God invested in you. He pulled up His sleeves of righteousness and wasn’t put off by your location. Instead, He began to dig. Layers and layers of unaccounted for years were being pressed aside. Layers and layers of disappointments, discouragement and pain were being uprooted. Just like His perfect love, the Hands of God fiercely began to cast aside every diameter of fear faster than it had ever been planted. You were completely uncovered. Light illuminated your face for the very first time. Cradled within the hands of your Creator, God lifted you out of the depths of an old life, and brought you into His glorious light. Through all the lonely years of being hidden, you had now been found.

The process of cutting and polishing soon transpired.

This was a season of great affliction, yet powerful transformation. You prayed to be blessed; yet in return you were pressed. You tried to walk fierce, yet crumbled when you were pierced. God became the Great Physician to you in a personal and intimate way. Before the healing could transpire, the incision needed to be made. Sometimes the pain was numbed; other times He allowed the sting of removal to grip your heart. “Must it be so painful, Lord?” You couldn’t understand why He would allow such a thing. He never appeared to be more silent than during the surgery. It wasn’t that He was neglecting your comfort; He just had His eye on the finished masterpiece. He knew that through the cutting away of all that didn’t reflect Him, you would transform into the child He created you to be. He knew that through the intense pressure of polishing every dimension of your character, you would soon shine brighter for His glory. The cutting and polishing was painful, but the cutting and polishing was necessary to grow.

And so, it is here now you stand.

Purged from the world, Pierced by His Word, and Pressed for His glory. You are now positioned for greatness. I want you to take a moment to reflect and count the cost. He found you, He loved you as you were, yet loved you enough not to keep you that way. The story you carry and the journey you have made is one not to be taken lightly. You suffered much loss along the way, but inherited much gain through the riches of His love. It was worth every moment, wasn’t it? You can truly say that, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” all the while your heart reflects every word of it. God can trust you and He knows you are faithful. He can now set you directly in the center of this broken and fragile world, knowing that you will radiate His love by leading others into His arms. Yet this time, you won’t blend in with the crowd, you’ll come out from among them and lead the crowd.

You see, He is calling you by a new name.

He has stood to declare of who you are,

Listen as He proclaims,

“Precision by my hand has caused you to shine. Many facets have been added to your heart that is of mine. Ah, yes! Beautiful in my sight, only purified eyes can recognize your worth! You are the prize of my suffering. You are my Pearl of Great Price and your value surpasses that of gold. Treasures of deep wisdom adorn your inner most thoughts. I tell you as truth, for I see what the world has yet to see.

You are my Diamond in the rough!”

Amy Basel