Today I want to share an experience that changed my understanding and perception of the heart of God, as I understood more fully what He meant in Matthew 6:33 when He said: “But seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

In Matthew 13: 45-46 we read, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Pearls are classified as gemstones and extremely unique, because they are the only gems formed and found within living creatures. An irritant works its way into an oyster, mussel or a clam and as a defence mechanism, mollusk secretes a fluid to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating is deposited on the irritant, until a lustrous pearl is formed, which requires no special cutting or polishing to maximize its beauty. Only God could create and perfect something so valuable. That is just what God, our merchant, does when we allow Him into our lives. He changes our hearts and minds and souls until we become like Him. So amazing, such love and grace!

Many years ago family of mine relocated and were just settling into a new congregation, when I visited them. They invited me to attend church with them. As we sat down, the pastor came towards us and I was surprised when he stopped right in front of me. “I don’t know you from a bar of soap,” he said, “but the Lord says.” He prophesied over me saying that I was like a very valuable pearl laying in God’s hand, but God wanted the pearl, me, in His crown. Instead of seeking Him first, drawing closer and focusing on Him more intimately, I was busy carrying my loved ones to the throne of grace.

It was not until much later that day, that the penny dropped, when someone said: “Now remember what he said, and God will do the rest.” Those words changed my life!!

I instantly had a new understanding of how precious our relationship is to Him and that He cares about my desires. Jesus, the merchant, found me, gave up His heavenly dwelling and bought me with His precious blood. Overwhelmed by this revelation, I repented and surrendered my life afresh and completely to Jesus.

My dear friend, you too are a very precious and valuable pearl in God’s hand, but He wants you in His crown. Let go and trust Him to “do the rest.” He knows the desires of your heart, but He places a first priority on an intimate relationship with you. You are His bride, the love of His life, the precious pearl He paid for with His life. He is waiting to embrace you and to bless you beyond measure.

Deuteronomy 32:10 (paraphrased)
“He found her in the desert and kept circling around her. He scanned her and kept her as the apple of His eye.”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that You love me so much that You gave Your life for me. Teach me how to draw closer to You and to rest in Your embrace. Amen.