Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
— Ephesians 3:20 NIV

I sometimes feel
like a pebble in the creek,
blending in and small, as if nothing at all.

But then, whispers in the wind remind me . . . 

You are a diamond,
precisely positioned to beam with brilliance,
rough edges smoothed by rushing waters, and
held in place by devine circumstance.

Gleam, glimmer, sparkle, shimmer —
hold not back in your day.
The pebbles around you need to know, have to know,
that they are diamonds, too.

You, tell them.
You, show them.
You, help them find, and shine,
their God-given brilliance.
……….

When will I quit forgetting who I am in Christ? He dwells in me, calls me His temple, makes my life full and good — infused with great purpose. In Him, I have significance and great value.

Even if my life might look and feel like a common creek pebble, God calls me His diamond — positioned to shine for Him. Isaiah 43:4 says, "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you." (NIV). He deems me precious.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 tells me, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.'" (NIV)

He has plans for my life that gleam. We read in Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (NIV) 

The glorious thing is: It's not about me. Real life kicks in when I forget about me and help others become all that God wants them to be. First, to know Him. Then, to grow in their faith and fulfill the purposes He has for their individual lives.

There are no common, ordinary pebbles in the Kingdom of God. Every "pebble" has an important role to play. Every pebble is significant.

Lord, help me to believe. To shine where You have placed me to shine. To reach out to others and help them understand, that they are diamonds, too. Help me to get over my hangups, so that I can help others do the same.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.