“We are like jewels, shaped with the hammer and chisel of adversity.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (p. 252). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Assorted Jeweler's Hammers

I know that this is not a popular subject but to the Christian it is such an important one. There is so much false truth out there that can cause real confusion for people. Just as a jeweler hammers away at the jewel to refine it and define it and the silversmith purifies the silver by fire God uses adversity to refine our character and make us like Christ.

Also as Rick says, “If a jeweler’s hammer isn’t strong enough to chip off our rough edges, God will use a sledgehammer. If we’re really stubborn, he uses a jackhammer. He will use whatever it takes. Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber.” What God does is chip off everything that doesn’t look like Christ. Also remember that circumstances don’t last if we learn the lesson but character lasts for eternity.

Rick then says, “Since God intends to make you like Jesus, He will take you through the same experiences Jesus went through. That includes loneliness, temptation, stress, criticism, rejection, and many other problems. The Bible says in Hebrews 5: 8– 9 (NIV) that Jesus, “learned obedience through suffering” and “was made perfect through suffering.” And Paul said in Romans 8: 17 (MSG), “We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with Him!” And there are so many good times.

That is God’s purpose for each one of us to make us like Christ and circumstances is the way He does it. Please be reminded of this the next time you go through adversity. Learn the lesson so God doesn’t have to use a bigger hammer.

So what did you learn through your last adversity?

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