You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. | Isaiah 62:3

Many are currently experiencing what feels like an intense crushing and pruning process, but the Lord is saying today, “Do not despise the crushing, for a diamond is being formed out of you.”

A dear friend of mine recently reminded me of the diamond, and how it isn’t as appreciated while in its uncut form. She went on to say that the beauty of a diamond comes from the long, difficult process it endures, making it into the precious jewel we all know and recognize. Just like this picture of the diamond, so it is with us, also. Beloved, know that though the trials you are facing are all a part of the process, God won’t leave you here. He is cultivating you and working His divine purposes in your life, even as the diamond is formed under heat and pressure. Though right now you currently feel the pain of the process, know this: the pressure is producing the promise.

PHOTO BY JOSH CAUDWELL

You are on a narrow path, and you may currently feel in a tight and restricted place, but the Lord is expanding you. Be encouraged, for you will soon be brought out into a wide and spacious place.

A caterpillar goes through a major transformation while in his dark, tight cocoon. However, after he endures the process, he soars to new heights: completely free from the old and embracing his new self. Don’t lose heart; even though now you only see the cocoon, you are beginning to break through! Even now in the spirit realm, I see a wing beginning to emerge from the shell of the cocoon. Truly your long, hard process is about ready to give way to an abundance of joy!

Take courage, dear heart! You are about to soar!

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:19).