Pebbles, Problems, Pearls, and Perseverance

What do pebbles, problems, pearls, and perseverance have in common? Okay, the p alliteration, but what else? I thought about this question as I hobbled along with a small rock in my tennis shoe. In case you’re wondering why I didn’t take off my shoe and get the pebble out, the seventy-nine pound lab at the end of the leash I held was not interested in stopping.

My discomfort brought oysters and pearls to mind. I’d always believed pearls were formed from the irritation of a grain of sand, but according to research, parasites or other organic materials are the more likely culprits. Interestingly, like the pebble in my shoe (if I’d stopped to get it out), oysters are able to rid themselves of irritants like sand particles.

Many of the difficulties we encounter are like sand and pebbles. We shift things around, look for alternatives, find solutions, and figure out how to move forward. But sometimes, we find ourselves like the oyster. Something comes into our lives that doesn’t have a quick fix. A financial hardship hits us with no resolution in sight. An unexpected illness or injury leaves us facing a long road to recovery. Unrealistic expectations from the supervisors at our jobs keep us awake at night. We wonder how we will have the strength to persevere. And we can’t imagine a beautiful pearl in the process.

Thankfully, we don’t have to do this life alone. In Isaiah 41:10, God promises, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” The Creator of the universe never becomes weary, and He will give us the strength we need to keep going (Isaiah 40:28–29). We can rely on God for each step, every day. He takes care of the things that concern us. And because of His tender love, we can rest in the assurance that He is at work in our lives, and that “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

So persevere, my friends. When you face an obstacle that seems insurmountable, keep your eyes on the One with all power. He is with you, and He is faithful to turn problems into pearls.

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just leave your comments in the box below.