"The Pressure Treasure"

"And he (Jesus) went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were SORE AMAZED IN THEMSELVES BEYOND MEASURE (more than anything they had ever previously experienced), and WONDERED (were in wonder and marveled)". Mark 6:51 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

MOST NATURAL DIAMONDS ARE FORMED AT HIGH-PRESSURE, HIGH-TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS

The name "diamond" comes from an ancient Greek word which means "unbreakable". Most natural diamonds are formed at high-pressure, high-temperature conditions existing at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 120 miles) in the mantle of the Earth. Carbon-containing minerals provide the carbon source, and growth occurs over periods of at least one billion years, scientists tell us. Diamonds are brought close to the surface of the Earth through deep volcanic eruptions by a magma, which cools into igneous rocks.

THE DIAMOND HAS REMARKABLE OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND AN UNUSUAL TRANSPARENCY

Being the most popular of all gemstones, the diamond has remarkable optical characteristics, and an unusual transparency. Also, it has a relatively high optical dispersion, which is the ability to disperse light of different colors, which results in its one-of-a-kind luster.

YOU ARE "A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH"

If you are a believer in Christ, you are "a diamond in the rough". Jesus is with you, but in spite of His presence, a storm may be raging in your life. Be assured that eventually the winds of opposition will cease, simply because Jesus is present. But, in the meantime, the pressure from difficult circumstances still surrounds you. Why is this allowed to continue seemingly unabated?

IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE TRANSPARENT, WITH UNUSUAL REFLECTIVE QUALITIES IT HAS TO GO THROUGH A PERIOD OF INTENSE PRESSURE

An exquisite and valuable diamond is being formed. It is deep within your spirit. Only through pressure can this treasure be realized and released. In order for it to be transparent, with unusual reflective qualities it has to go through a period of intense pressure, and high-temperature conditions to wear away foreign material which would hinder its beauty and rarity from being realized in your life. Not only that, but rare and worthwhile quality is being formed within the diamond itself.

AT TIMES THE HEAT SEEMS SO OVERWHELMING IT IS ALMOST UNBEARABLE

This divinely transforming process does not take place over night. At times the heat seems so overwhelming it is almost unbearable. When you are going through this, just remember that in the midst of spiritual volcanic activity, a diamond is closer to the surface in your life than ever before, and it is about to erupt. What has been going on in secret is about to be made public. You will never be the same again.

GOD IS PERFORMING A WORK WITHIN YOU WHICH WILL BE ETERNAL

Complaining, mixed together with murmuring and unbelief will hinder the development of the creation of the Creator within your being. Only faith-filled confessions of the Word of God will cause a perfected diamond to come forth. Remember, the diamond is a hard surface, and cannot be easily destroyed. That is what is evolving within your spirit. God is performing a work within you which will be eternal.

THE FINISHED WORK WILL CAUSE YOU TO BEHOLD "BEYOND MEASURE" THE CREATION THAT ONLY THE ALMIGHTY COULD CARVE OUT OF YOUR WOUNDED SPIRIT

The storm has been "beyond measure", as you never thought you would be subjected to such intense pressure. But, as the treasure of the diamond emerges, you will be filled with wonderment, and marvel at the works of your God, the Master Diamond Producer and Cutter. And, the finished work will cause you to behold "beyond measure" the creation that only the Almighty could carve out of your wounded spirit. That is the God we serve. No wonder we love Him so much! He is beyond compare. And, to think He is spending so much time and loving care with each of us to bring out something so beautiful that we never knew was there, but He saw it all along. He will never give up on us until the process is complete.