Refer to chapter 2 in A Jewel in His Crown.
• ■ -A a - A
A OiJ « £u\T
fe| -A 18 | A \ imk ~ r Vji ■
EM OF THE Day
“Our task when uncomfortable circumstances invade our lives is to wrap ourselves in the Word of God. It is filed with a substance that will change us forever and make us into the pearls that we were created to be” (p. 45 ).
1. List the uncomfortable situations you’re currently facing in life.
:
Wm
/a ,
Let’s face it; we prefer that things in life stay easy. Why do you think people are generally so resistant to any form of challenge? In what ways are you being resistant to our challenges?
4k
A,A" -A;
;
DERSTANDING GODS WORD
3-
Read Romans 5:3-5. Underline all the positive results of tribulation you can find in this passage. Choose one or two, and reflect on their importance in your life.
And not only this, hut we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
The Making of a Pearl
4. What changes do you suspect God may be trying to make in your character through the challenges you’re facing?
5. In the Bible there are many examples of God’s bringing something beautiful from trouble or tragedy Consider the stories of Moses, Joseph, Job, Esther, or Ruth. What positive results came out of the trials in each of these people’s lives?
6. Paraphrase your understanding of Romans 8:28.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
7. Meditate on Jeremiah 29:11. How does this verse give you a sense of hope, even in disappointing or painful circumstances?
8. Take some time to reflect on what God’s Word says about the plans He has in store for you. Review Scriptures we’ve studied as well as any others you wish to include here.
5
The Making of a Pearl
“During an oysters life, a foreign substance oj some sort may get caught inside the creatures shell — This substance can be as small as a grain of sand, but when it gets trapped, the unexplainable happens. The oyster secretes a thin sheet of a substance called nacre that encloses the foreign object. Inside this thin sheet, thejoreign object begins to change and become reshaped until it is no longer an insignificant grain of sand but a beautiful, shining, costly pearl” (pp. 44 - 45 ).
9. Remember a time God used “tribulation” to produce a more brilliant sparkle in your Christian character. What was that time like, and what did you learn from it?
10. In what ways do you feel trapped right now in your life? Take some time to pray about the situation. Ask God to work His wonders and transform you into a pearl that shines for His glory.
11. How does the encouragement in Romans 8:28 apply to your current situation?
“For I know the plans that I have for you, ” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ”
Jeremiah 29:11
The Making of a Pearl
12. What verses or insights from today’s study were particularly significant to you? Write them below and journal about what they mean to you.
f^KiNG Action
13. What will you do differently as a result of today’s study?
Allow these verses to inspire your prayerful response to God today:
□ 2 Chronicles 20:15 —That I will realize that God is in control of my circumstances.
□ Romans 8:28 —For God to work all things together for my good and for His glory.
□ 2 Corinthians 1:5-6 —That I will encourage other women in the King’s court concerning their own “pearl-making” process.
□ 2 Peter 1:3 —That God will continue to give me everything I need to do what He
3 4
wants me to do.
The Making of a Pearl
The Making of a Pearl
