YOU ARE MORE THAN YOU HAVE
BECOME! That’s the sub-title of a book
by a pastor named Tony Scott … and that phrase intrigued me until I thought
through it’s intended meaning and did some further research. Simply put, what that means is that God is
not finished with us yet! We are who we
are at this moment in time – but in God’s eyes, we are more than who we are or
what we are today. We are still in
process as He is refining us and polishing us so that ultimately His Kingdom
will be shown through us. Have you ever
thought much about the process that diamonds are subjected to? Let me share just a few facts. A diamond is known for having superlative
physical qualities, having the highest hardness of any bulk material, and
having relatively high optical dispersion.
Due to these characteristics, diamonds are used in cutting and polishing
tools. Because they can be contaminated
only by a very few impurities, and because of their ability to disperse light
of different colors, they have a sought-after luster. Unparalleled in their
hardness and durability, diamonds have become the most popular gemstone ever. They
are valuable, expensive, and most frequently used for adornment. But what makes
them what they are? Did you know that
they are formed at extremely high temperatures and unimaginable pressure at
depths up to 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface? They get transported via
magma in a volcanic pipe much like an elevator - to the earth’s surface where they
can then be discovered and used for their greatest purpose. It is also interesting that diamonds are not
very reactive. There is little that can
change or affect their chemical stability.
Diamonds are identified not only by their high thermal conductivity, but
also through the skilled use of a magnifying glass “by eye”. For the rough diamond to be sold at its
highest price, it must be cut or drilled and polished to remove any possible
flaws. It must pass rigid tests to be
marked as a highest grade diamond. In
those tests, the authentic diamond is distinguished apart from it synthetic or
simulated counterparts. It is set apart
by what it has become. We, like
diamonds, were naturally born “in the rough” and through the spiritual process
of being “born again” we find ourselves undergoing the fiery trials and tests …
the sometimes unimaginable pressure that just about squeezes the life out of
us. When we are “120 miles under” – we feel
like we will never see the light of day.
The weight of the hardening just about breaks us – before it makes us
into what God sees we can become. When
we’ve been pressed and pressured enough, we are shot to the surface at volcanic
speed, and we see the light of victory.
But a more amazing thing occurs:
others see us and our ability to disperse the Light of the world shines
through with brilliance. Had we never
been put through the extreme fiery tests or the crushing weight of trials, we
would never be able to be used as tools in the Kingdom of God. We would never be durable enough, transparent
enough, usable enough. What amazes me
even more, is that beyond being chosen by God to be used for His Kingdom
purposes on this earth, He also adorns His earth with us – reflecting who He is
to a world who so desperately needs to see Him.
Often we are unaware of how valuable and priceless we are to our Creator
– because we never attribute our hurting in the diamond process to His
commitment to make us more than we are. We just know it hurts and we don’t like
it. We usually fight against it. But recognizing God at work within us, we need
to become submissive under the heat and the pressure, knowing that we will come
forth as precious and polished in His sight … ready to be used mightily in
these days. I can share this message
because just this week God allowed me to be pressed to what I thought was my
limit … and then He turned around and used my durability to help cut and polish
someone else, helping them to see beyond their crushing weight of hurt. No wonder James wrote in the first chapter of
his book: “Consider it a sheer gift,
friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life
is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything
prematurely. Let it do its work so you
become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” Lord Jesus, please make us more than we have
become!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Wayne and Verla for ministering this past Sunday while Pastor Doug and Debbie were visiting family! We so appreciate how everyone stepped up to share in the ministry of our church!
THIS SUNDAY, AUG 11:
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP / COMMUNION
10:30 A.M. - KIDZONE CHURCH
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE - ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC at Mineral Springs Park
(Be sure to bring your own table service - and plan on having a great time with your church family!)
NEXT SUNDAY, AUG 18:
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP
10:30 A.M. - KIDZONE CHURCH
11:30 A.M. - CHRISTIAN ED MTG for all willing to help with KidZone
ELEVATION NORTH SPOTLIGHT!
Our Christian
Ed Leadership is planning for the Fall, Winter, and Spring edition of another
season of ministries for all ages. That will include KidZone Church, as well as nursery, youth, Bible studies, and
more! We are praying for God’s direction
as we choose topics and books of the Bible that will draw His children, young
and old, into a deeper walk with Him!
Join us in prayer, that God’s will might be accomplished throughout this
new year of seeking after God. There
will be a special meeting with Wayne and Verla following worship on Sunday,
August 18th, at 11:30 a.m. for everyone willing to help with the KidZone ministry here at Elevation North! If
you feel led to help support our Christian Ed ministries with a love offering,
please mark it accordingly. Thank you …
may God bless you!
REMEMBER . .
. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who
promised is faithful.” ~ Hebrews 10:23-24
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
