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Transformation

     A man walks down a beach, searching. His feet sink into the sand and waves lap at them with every step. He stops and stoops down to pick up a stone. A smile plays on the corners of his lips as he holds it in his hand. To the ordinary person, it’s a rough and beach-worn stone; chipped and full of imperfections. But as this man gazes at the stone, he sees past those chips and scratches, past its dull appearance, and sees in it a beautiful gem, full of possibilities

     He slips the stone in his pocket, and takes it home to polish it. First he puts it in a tumbler with a bunch of other stones. As it is tumbles, its many imperfections are chipped away. When the man finally takes it out of the tumbler, he holds in his hand a beautiful gem, no longer the dull stone it once was. Then he carefully covers the whole stone with a layer of polish. Once it is dry, the man picks up the stone and rubs his finger along its smooth, glossy surface. A smile of satisfaction spreads over his face as he looks upon the once dull and wind-tossed stone, that has been transformed into a beautiful gem.

     God is like this rock collector. As we come to Him, He sees past our imperfections and sees how beautiful we can be. He longs for us to submit to Him and allow Him to transform us from ordinary stones into precious gems. One of the ways He does this is through suffering, trials and afflictions. These things aren't very enjoyable, but in the end, they produce something beautiful.

     Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:11

     This process of polishing and removing imperfections isn’t a comfortable one, but it's worth it. It can’t even be compared to the results in the end!

     For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

     God is longing to transform you! Will you let Him?

     -Hannah

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