A diamond and the graphite in a pencil are made of the same element- carbon. So why do they look so different and have such unique qualities? The difference between the two comes from the number of bonds carbon atoms make. In graphite, each atom bonds to three others, but in diamonds, each atom bonds to four. This additional bond changes the way light passes around the atoms, making graphite appear dark and opaque while diamonds appear transparent. The extra bonds in a diamond are created by extreme pressure. One hundred and twenty-five miles below the surface of the earth, carbon atoms are squeezed so tightly, they connect with more atoms and form more bonds.

We may not be physically squeezed, but pressure also plays an important role in our lives as believers. God leads us through trials so He can strengthen us and produce good things within us. When we see this pressure as a privilege, it becomes normal for us to bless God while experiencing trials. 1 Peter 1:6-9 shows us three reasons to bless God in the midst of hard times.

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:6-9

Q. Why can we bless God?

  1. We can bless God for the trials we face

Suffering is an inevitable part of life, even for followers of Jesus. God’s promise is not to remove trials, but to guide and sustain us through them. We can find constant joy in the ups and downs of life when we rejoice in Christ alone.

  1. We bless God for the production of faith

God leads us through trials intentionally; not by accident or at random. He uses our suffering as a purifying fire in which, faith is tested, strengthened, and proven to be genuine. This is a blessing to be embraced, not avoided.

  1. We bless God through the activation of our faith

We praise God in the midst of trials because we know they will not last forever. One day we will see our savior face to face, and we will be with him forever. Even though we do not see Christ now, we follow Him confidently knowing that He is with us.

It is a privilege to live in a relationship with Christ, even when we are suffering. God uses the hard times to make us more like Christ. As Christians, we should embrace the trials we face because we know the pressure is a privilege.