Diamonds in the Darkness

I looked down and it was gone. I had no idea when or where, if I’d been at home or out in the great big world, but the diamond from my wedding ring was gone. Had it been sucked up by the vacuum? Had a bird snatched it from the lawn? Had it been kicked under shelving at the grocery? Only God knew.

I walked around the house, searching with laser-like vision.

Nothing.

I asked a few friends if they would pray for me, with me, that the Lord would lead me to it. And for the next number of weeks my normal walking position became with my head down, eyes furiously scouring every inch.

Still nothing.

I started to think I might have to get a new diamond.

Then one Wednesday night I walked into the darkened garage to go to the mid-week service, opened the car door which turned on the dome light, and started to slide into the driver’s seat. I looked down to make sure where I was placing my foot, and I saw something glimmer.

Could it be?

I moved my foot, reached down and picked up the shiny object.

It was.

My diamond had been resting on the dirty floor of the car all that time. Who knows how many miles it had languished there, how many times my foot had stepped there, but God knew.

I’ve had the prongs checked and tightened a couple of times (and once replaced) in the years since.

And I’ve thought about the allegory it represents for all of us in Christ.

Yes, we were all lost until Christ called us found.

And because of Him, by Him, through Him, we were made into precious gems. And still, He is constantly fashioning in us, by the chiseling of our trials, even more facets to reflect His beautiful light. And while we always shine, we reflect Him best in the darkness.

“You are the light (phōs) of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 
Matthew 5:14-16

That Greek word phōs means to shine, or make manifest, especially by rays; luminousness, fire, light.

The more Jesus becomes our passion, the more our hearts are on fire for Him and Him alone, the more we’re going to shine with the eternal Light the world needs and is desperately searching for.

As dusk turns into night on this world, we can shine brightly for Him on the stand He’s given us.

Wherever He takes us, whomever He gives us, with whatever gifts He’s given us, may we shine.

Through our works, our speech, our fruit, may we shine.

With His triumphant truth, His compassion, His gentleness, His kindness, His forgiveness, His sacrificial, all-encompassing, grace- and mercy-filled love, may we shine like the Son.

Heavenly Father, may we shine with the Light of your Son through the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.