“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.”
–1 Peter 1:7

Ever since I was little, I’ve had a special place in my heart for jewelry. My mom first got me into the habit of wearing a necklace to school every day, which I did during my elementary-school years. (This fell out of fashion in high school, when I got in trouble for fiddling with my jewelry when I should be working.) During my college years I started wearing bracelets, and after college I braved a brief amount of pain in order to get my ears pierced. (Why did I wait so long?!)

During all this time, I’ve received my share of items which I consider to be precious. My mom once gave me a beautiful necklace before leaving on a long trip. My first pair of post-piercing earrings were bought at Disneyland, one of my favorite places. Then there’s the engraved heart necklace Tim gave me for Valentine’s Day, and a handmade bracelet which his sister passed down to me. Of course, my engagement and wedding rings are very important to me, because they bind my husband and I together.

All these pieces of jewelry (and many others) are special to me, but they will only last so long. They will eventually rust or break or tarnish. But I’ve found something valuable which will never show the slightest sign of wear or erosion, no matter how often or how vigorously it’s tested. My faith and trust in God and His son will always keep going up in value, unlike the fluctuating price of gold and other precious stones.

At one time I didn’t think this faith and trust were valuable at all. I first became a Christian when I was about 10 years old, and I didn’t put much stock in my newly-formed relationship with God. Church was just a weekly event I endured with my parents, and I didn’t study the Bible or talk to God too often.

But as I’ve grown older, my relationship with God and Jesus has also grown stronger and more precious to me. God’s loving presence has given me a lot of comfort and reassurance during both good and bad times. He is always there to listen to my worries, and forgive my sins against Him. Most of all, I know His love for me will never fade or run out. Unlike material objects, He will never get lost or broken.

This most precious of relationships can freely become yours as well. I once read a story about the value of God’s love in a children’s magazine which has stayed with me throughout my life. The author believes God’s love is like a magic coin which will give you all the love and comfort you will ever need. All you have to do is polish the coin every day, and it will never lose any of its strength or value. Asking for God’s forgiveness of your sins is our way of polishing that magic coin.

If you are willing to study God’s word and ask Him to come into your life, He will gladly honor your request. We tend to put off this important process, but I encourage you to do this as soon as you can. If you’re already a Christian, re-dedicate your life to following Jesus. God can’t wait to give you a strong and loving relationship, which is worth more than any jewel found on this earth.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You may also send your donation to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870.

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 641-715-3900, ext. 874157.