BEAUTIFUL IRRITATION

I read that It takes an oyster somewhere from three to six years to create a perfect pearl. It all starts with a small piece of sand or some other kind of irritant entering the oyster. The oyster then coats it with layers of an iridescent inorganic composite material called nacre which, after years of this process, we come to know as a pearl, like we see on necklaces in jewelry stores.

Like the sand in an oyster, God uses a little irritation in our life to create beauty. A friend once told me that he never prayed for his children to be happy. For if they were always happy, he said how would they ever develop character and experience personal growth?

Going through irritating times is not pleasant. ”Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Note that these words from James 1:2-4 do not tell us to pretend we are happy in the midst of trials, but to consider it an opportunity for joy. God gives us a promise that we can “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3b-4). It is through the hurt, pain and ugliness that, more times than not, God creates beauty in each of us. Without the irritation, God cannot create in us a beautiful final product.

It is said that not all oysters produce perfect pearls naturally. In every three tons of oysters, you are likely to find only three or four that make a perfect pearl. When we embrace the irritating struggle in our lives, God uses it to make us into something beautiful. When we run from or ignore our pain it is hard for us to learn from it and see God’s hand in it. Embracing the rough times and trusting God will ultimately help you become all God is preparing you to be.

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