Like coal, diamonds are made from carbon. An old chunk of coal has little value, but even a small diamond can be quite valuable. Diamonds are one of the most precious jewels.

Diamonds occur as carbon crystals. Pure black carbon is not very attractive. A great deal of heat and pressure over a long time is required to force carbon to become crystals. This process occurs deep inside the earth at a very high temperature. The end product is a beautiful diamond.

Likewise our character is refined by the trials and tests that we must endure. We may be just an old chunk of coal, but the trials and pressures of this life can help shape us into a diamond some day in the Kingdom of God.

God Values Us Highly

Just as diamonds are valuable, God values us highly as shown in Matthew 10:29-31:

"29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (KJV)

God knows us in detail down to the hair on our heads. Our Father has all power. He has personal concern for each of us and values us highly.

We Must Endure Tribulation to Enter the Kingdom of God

God who has such personal care about us blesses us in many ways. With the blessings come tribulations that help to shape our character. Acts 14:22 explains how we must endure trials:

"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (KJV)

The Greek word for tribulation in Acts 14:22 is thlipsis. It literally means "pressure.