Did you know that one of the most cherished treasures in the world—a diamond—is nothing more than carbon dust that has been exposed to pressure? Transformed ashes.

In the good old days of black-and-white TV, long before Netflix, there was a TV series featuring Superman. In one episode, Superman clenches a lump of coal in his hand. He squeezes. He squeezes harder. Then there’s smoke. And you guessed it. He opens his hand and the lump of coal is gone. Instead, there’s a glistening diamond!

If you’re glad right now for a superhero with such strength, then this will double your joy: In God’s hand, the ashes of your repentance are not tossed away like dirty waste. He uses them. With some strength, some love, some pressure, the Lord God squeezes and shapes you. Transforms you.

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor” (1 Samuel 2:8). 

Your destiny in God’s saving grace is not the ash heap but a rich throne. Between the two is a humble faith that trusts while God squeezes. Sometimes hard. Sometimes there’s smoke. In the end, God opens his hand and smiles at something so cherished that he’s made. You.