I remember the time my father-in-law presented me with a family heirloom, a string of genuine pearls. He told me they had been harvested in Japan, not far from where he lived much of his life. These pearls had this milky, soft glow, each one perfect. My husband Ken draped them around my neck, and I wheeled to a mirror.
Dad Tada explained how a pearl is produced. A tiny bit of sand lodges in the flesh of an oyster and becomes an irritating intrusion. The oyster then, unable to expel it, covers that particle with layer after layer of a milky secretion until the irritation has become smooth, round, and acceptable. It also, by the way, becomes a precious gem.
Other jewels may be made from rocks and crystals; other jewels might be mined out of the earth, but not pearls. Unlike other gems, pearls are drawn from something that’s alive – isn’t that a great thought. They are produced by a life which has overcome affliction, which has overcome suffering. Little wonder they are so unique and so valuable!
Matthew 13 says, "… the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When the merchant found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Friend, you need to know that Jesus is that one of “great value.” He is the Pearl of Great Price. Unlike any other, our Savior is the precious gem set apart from the rest. He lived in such a way that He overcame suffering and affliction… He overcame the working of death. He is superior because His love poured forth was done so from a life wounded by pain. He has become our example. And He has bound us with other believers who value His priceless friendship…
Now, I have experienced more than a few irritants in my life; intrusions, not the least of which is four decades of quadriplegia. My bones are getting old, tired, thin, and frail… and as the weeks go by, it’s not getting any easier. But God continues to give layer after layer of transforming grace. And as I present to Him the irritants, the impositions that this wheelchair brings, God takes them and makes each one smooth and acceptable, all because of that layer and layer of His help and hope. And the miracle is, what was once an intrusion – even the troublesome back pain I experienced a year ago – even that has become a precious gem. And I wouldn’t trade this pearlescent experience for anything.
So, let me ask you what are the afflictions and sufferings right now in your life? Because today you can, by the grace of God – layer-by-layer, grace-upon-grace – you can overcome the working of death, affliction, suffering in your life. And as you do, I'm convinced you, too, are going to learn to see what God brought you through -- although you wouldn’t want to go through it again. I believe you will see the precious gems of wisdom you’ve gleaned, all to the glory of Jesus… that pearl of great price you wouldn’t trade for anything.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends