Have you ever wondered why we go through times of intense pressure?

During these times, we may feel like there’s just one thing after another to deal with. We may feel like we are being tested beyond what we are able to bear. We may even feel alone or like we are in a dark place, and we just cannot find our way out.

My hope is that this message will be one of encouragement for anyone who may be feeling this way. Just know that God is at work. He is doing a deep work in us which may not have been possible without the pressure. The purpose of the pressure is for God to show us any blemishes or weaknesses in our character, because He wants us to work on these areas. Remember that God is conforming us into the image of His precious Son – Jesus. He is making us into His jewels.

“They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels (lit. special treasure). And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”

Malachi 3:17 NKJV

Have you ever considered how jewels are formed? About a year ago, I was feeling like I was undergoing tremendous pressure that I just couldn’t understand, and at this point, I believe the Holy Spirit gave me the above-mentioned Scripture from Malachi. I also then felt led to read up on how jewels are actually formed and it helped me understand why I was going through a season of pressure and testing.

Diamonds are formed deep within the earth’s surface under conditions of intense heat and pressure which causes carbon atoms to crystallize. This process also happens over a long period of time, but the wait and process is worthwhile because of the tremendous value these precious gems contain. I believe that God allows us to go through seasons of testing and pressure because He looks to the reward. Scripture tells us that God predestined us to be conformed into the precious image of Jesus.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Romans 8:28-30 NKJV

Like diamonds which take time to form and develop, the process of us being conformed into the image of Jesus can also take time – but let us remember that He is a good Father. He works in us a little bit at a time so that we don’t feel overwhelmed or get discouraged.  At times we may feel like our progress is slow, but if we look back, we will see how much the Lord has already changed us. We will be able to see the work He has already done in us, and this should give us the encouragement to keep going and know that our times are in God’s hands. He knows the pace we can follow, and He moves us forward with gentleness.

It’s not easy going through hard times where we feel the pressure and testing, but Jesus is with us. God helped me understand that I needed to shift my focus from the temporary to the eternal, because our temporary struggles and hardships will pass.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 NKJV

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV

The last point I would like to make before closing off this message is that jewels are considered very precious. Likewise, we are so very precious to God and that is why He promises to complete the good work He has started in us (Philippians 1:6). God has our best interests at heart because He cares so deeply for each of us. Therefore, as we go through seasons of testing and pressures, let us look to the reward and remind ourselves that God is conforming us into the image of His precious Son – Jesus Christ.