Priceless

 

 

It takes time for a priceless pearl to form or for us to discover the inner beauty that comes from the trials of life. A pearl's perfection comes from the constant irritation of sand within an oyster. Life is filled with constant irritation. Those irritations can spur me on to spiritual maturity, or they can destroy what God wishes to produce in me. Whether good or bad, my life is a result of my attitude. 

“Rejoice always,” Paul encourages, “pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-8). 

It’s God’s will that I maintain a positive attitude, regardless of my circumstances. I will pray and rejoice in every situation. I will persevere, reaching beyond any circumstance through faith. By surrendering to God and not my circumstances, and trusting in His unwavering support, I am lifted above the destruction of life’s numerous challenges.

Surrender is not an option; it’s a necessity.  Raging against my circumstances or being passive and accepting of them doesn’t help. Instead, letting God guide and instruct me through each challenge leads to victory.  Strength, joy, and peace come from surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. I listen and don’t question His Word. I seek what He wants to reveal to me. I yield to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to create in me His understanding and perspective. By graciously accepting the pruning of the Vinedresser upon my life, I accept His molding, and He becomes my passion.

The price He paid for my surrender is worth everything I receive in return. I relinquish my desires, agenda, and control in every situation or relationship, allowing Him to shape me. When I let go, I discover the gift of His peace. God doesn’t demand my surrender; He gives me the freedom to yield to Him or not. Surrender is my gift to Him. 

I seek that priceless pearl. I will give all of myself to possess it. When I yield to Him without any hesitation or reservation, I realize that I'm no longer my own: I’m overwhelmed by His love. Such love is beyond my understanding, but as I give myself away to Him, I believe the miracle of His grace. On the cross, He saw me as His pearl of greatest price. I’m priceless to Him.