Are You Willing to Endure the Formation Process for Your Own Pearl of Wisdom?

At the start of a new year, I reflect on the past four years, recalling some of the insights the Holy Spirit has been speaking to my heart, and I feel compelled to share one of these pearls of wisdom. 

While browsing through my notebook, where I wrote down what the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart, I paused to reflect on a note from March 1st, 2023: "Some people do not see manifestations of God moving in their life, yet God is moving." As I read it, I could hear the voice of one of my Bible teachers, who survived cancer three times and lost his wife to the disease. It reminded me of his growth through the challenges of his mid-70s. Despite physical pain and the inner struggles of losing the love of his life, he is hopeful. I learned from his example how to discern manifestations and signs of God moving through my own struggles. I learned to pay attention to different ways Holy Spirit is speaking to my heart in the midst of various pressures.

I don’t know what your big current struggle is, but I do know that God has a plan for you: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11. Instead of being focused on the current struggle, you too can focus on the plans of God to prosper you. 

Therefore, you can ask God to reveal His plans for prospering you (or your loved ones). Once you understand what His plans for your prosperity and that of your family are, you can align yourself with them and start moving in the right direction.

You may question the worth or wisdom in what has just been shared. The value of pearls doesn't lie in an external change of circumstances. Pearls develop under pressure, which shapes their character, value, and beauty. The wisdom of pearls is found in their creation process. For humans, enduring the formation process is possible if it holds both meaning and purpose. The pressures you face now are shaping something valuable and beautiful within you.

In summary, God is active in your life, shaping character and beauty through your challenges, whether you realize it or not. You have the option to focus on the negatives around you or on the manifestations of God's goodness in your life. The decision is yours.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” - Ephesians 1:18-19 NIV

“The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.” - Proverbs 10:22 BSB