Acres of Diamonds

1. Your "Acres of Diamonds" are right where you are.

Ali Hafed had traveled the world to find what he’d had all along.

Hidden potential. The famous story of Ali Hafed illustrates a profound truth: often, the wealth and opportunities we seek globally are lying dormant in our own backyard. Ali Hafed sold his farm to search for diamonds, only for the new owner to discover the world's most magnificent diamond mine right on that very land. This parable urges us to recognize the inherent value and potential in our current circumstances, relationships, and jobs, rather than constantly seeking greener pastures.

Undervalued blessings. Many people, like Ali Hafed, undervalue their present situation, believing that true fulfillment or success lies "out there." This mindset leads to discontentment and a restless search, often causing us to miss the blessings and opportunities God has already placed before us. The book challenges us to shift our perspective and believe that our current life, no matter how ordinary it seems, holds hidden potential waiting to be discovered.

A four-letter word. The author introduces a powerful four-letter word: "stay." This isn't about stagnation, but about committed cultivation. It means learning to see, value, and grow what you have, right where you are, even when tempted to quit or move on. The grass isn't greener elsewhere; you just need to learn to water and tend your own.

2. Embrace trials: Pressure, heat, and time forge your inner diamonds.

It takes three things to make a diamond: time, extreme pressure and intense heat.

Purpose in trials. Just as diamonds are formed deep within the earth under immense pressure and heat over time, our personal "diamonds" of purpose and destiny are forged through life's trials. Difficult seasons, setbacks, disappointments, and challenges are not meant to destroy us, but to refine us. Running from these tough times means missing the opportunity for profound growth and the unveiling of our true potential.

God's refining process. When we face adversity, it's easy to question God's plan or feel overwhelmed. However, the book asserts that God often turns up the pressure and heat in our lives to bring forth something precious. These moments are not arbitrary suffering; they are part of a divine process to make us stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Even if the enemy inflicts pain, God can transform it for His glory and our good.

Personal testimony. The author shares his own experience with severe boils as a teenager, which led to deep depression and isolation. Yet, this period of intense suffering became his "testing ground," where he spent hours reading the Bible, praying, and developing his gifts. This "wilderness experience" ultimately shaped his ministry and made him more sensitive to others' pain, proving that God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony.

3. Trust God's timing and seize the "now."

You have kept the good wine until now.

God's clock vs. man's clock. We often operate on our own timetables, planning for the "perfect" moment to pursue dreams or make big moves. However, God's timing (kairos) rarely aligns with ours and often presents opportunities when we feel least prepared or most stretched. The author's experience launching a TV ministry and a student conference illustrates how stepping out in obedience to God's "now" can lead to unexpected miracles and exponential growth, even when it feels inconvenient.

The power of "now." Fixating on past regrets or future anxieties ("someday") can steal the joy and power of the present moment. Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, where he saved "the good wine until now," signifies that God's best is not just in the past or future, but available right now. This encourages us to release our faith today for victory, healing, and breakthrough, rather than perpetually waiting for an ideal future.

Living in today. The book emphasizes that "now" is all we truly possess. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not promised. To live in peace and avoid depression, worry, and anxiety, we must learn to live in and enjoy today. By actively rejoicing, being obedient, and saying "yes" to God's call now, we unlock miracles and rewrite the rest of our lives, transforming our present into acres of diamonds.

4. Cultivate a divine vision: See potential where others see desolation.

When God opens your eyes, you can see provision.

Vision is victory. A visionary sees things that are not yet as though they are. This divine foresight provides the strength to persevere through tough times, transforming barren landscapes into fields of opportunity. The author highlights Jan Cooley, a poultry entrepreneur, who consistently saw potential in overlooked methods and people, building a multi-million dollar business and becoming a significant philanthropist.

Open your eyes. King David's prayer, "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law," is foundational. When God opens our spiritual eyes, we can perceive potential, beauty, truth, and life even in desolate places. Like Elisha's servant, who saw chariots of fire surrounding them after his eyes were opened, we can see God's protection and provision in our families, marriages, and challenges, even when circumstances seem dire.

The right mirror. Life often tells us we are failures, unworthy, or not good enough. However, looking into the "mirror of God's Word" reveals our true identity: forgiven, righteous, and wonderfully made in His image. This shift in perspective, like Marina Chapman realizing she wasn't a monkey but a human, is transformative. It allows us to see ourselves as God sees us—full of potential and capable of achieving His purpose.

5. Navigate the "hallway" with faith and worship.

When you are pressed on all sides and feeling the heat from the fire, worship.

God, the doorkeeper. When one door closes, another may not immediately open, leaving us in a "hallway" of uncertainty, sorrow, or economic disaster. The book reminds us that God is our doorkeeper, controlling access to His plans and purposes. He opens doors no one can shut and shuts doors no one can open, often for our protection. Trusting Him in these in-between spaces is crucial, as He is with us even when the hallway feels like hell.

Thank God for closed doors. We often celebrate open doors, but it's equally important to thank God for the doors that didn't open. These closed doors, like the author's daughter's near-abduction or the Feast of Purim celebrating what didn't happen to the Jews, are often acts of divine protection. Recognizing God's unseen hand in preventing potential harm fosters gratitude and reinforces trust in His sovereignty, even when His actions are not immediately clear.

Worship as warfare. In the midst of intense pressure and heat, worship becomes a powerful weapon. Joshua's act of worship before the walls of Jericho, or Jabez's prayer for blessing despite his name meaning "sorrow," demonstrate that praise precedes breakthrough. Worship shifts our focus from earthly circumstances to our heavenly Father, changing the atmosphere, breaking strongholds, and preparing us for victory. It's a declaration of dependence that grabs the enemy "by his neck."

6. Anchor your soul in purpose, courage, worship, and community.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus.

The right anchor. Just as a ship needs a strong anchor to withstand storms, our souls need to be anchored in Jesus to prevent drifting into temptation, hopelessness, or apathy. The tragic story of the capsized boat due to a "mistake in anchoring" serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of anchoring to the wrong things—material success, reputation, or ungodly relationships—which offer no peace or hope when life's storms hit.

Four essential anchors. Beyond Jesus as our ultimate anchor, the book identifies four supporting anchors crucial for navigating tough times:

• Purpose: Our divine purpose, predating our conception, remains constant through storms. Focusing on it helps us persevere.
• Courage: The ability to finish the race despite fear, forgiving those who hurt us, and refusing to let challenges steal our joy.
• Worship: Praising God for who He is, not just what He does, invites His presence and brings answers and breakthroughs.
• Church: Being planted in a local church, in fellowship with believers, provides a powerful covenant and support system, preventing us from drifting.

Victory, little by little. God often brings victory "little by little," not instantaneously. This gradual process, as seen with the Israelites conquering nations, is deliberate. It's designed to prepare us, teach us dependence on Him, and ensure that when success comes, it's about Him, not us. Anchoring correctly allows us to grow closer to God through the discomfort, leading to freedom and the uncovering of acres of diamonds.

7. Combat negativism with expectation and a different spirit.

You cannot walk into your destiny when your spirit is steeped in negativism.

The "evil report." Negativism is a destructive spirit that can derail our destiny. The Israelites, on the brink of the Promised Land, were swayed by ten spies who delivered an "evil report," focusing on giants and impenetrable cities rather than the land's fertility. This negativity led to a generation being barred from their promise. The book warns that a negative spirit ignores good information, overemphasizes bad, and actively seeks to gather evidence to support its pessimistic outlook.

Resist negativism. It's easy to fall into a cocoon of negativity, especially when raised in such an environment or exposed to a culture saturated with it. However, as believers, we have no right to be negative, given God's past miracles and promises. We must actively fight against this spirit, refusing to grumble, complain, or find fault. This isn't just about a positive attitude; it's about resisting a real, active spiritual force that aims to destroy our hope and keep us from God's plan.

Wait in expectation. The remedy for negativism is waiting in expectation. Like the people "on the tiptoe of expectation" for the Holy Spirit, we should eagerly anticipate God's impossible works. The lame man at the Temple, who was healed because he was "expecting to receive something," exemplifies this power. Expectation is the breeding ground for miracles, binding the spirit of negativism and opening us to God's best. We must believe that God saves the best for now, not just someday.

8. Your workplace is a field for influence and worship.

Never trade influence with people for money.

Work as worship. The Hebrew word "avodah" connects work, worship, and service, highlighting that our daily labor can be an act of devotion to God. Jesus spent more time as a carpenter than in public ministry, demonstrating that secular work is equally within God's will and purpose. Our workplaces are not just places to earn a living; they are fields of influence, opportunities to shine God's light and exemplify Jesus' life.

Influence over income. The story of Bryan Boyd, who turned down a lucrative corporate offer to grow his own business, illustrates the principle of prioritizing influence over immediate financial gain. By staying planted where God called him, Bryan built a multi-generational business and became a significant blessing to his community and church. The book emphasizes that a good reputation and positive influence are more valuable than great riches, and we should never sacrifice people for money.

Stand out with excellence. To affect the culture of our workplace for Jesus, we must "arise and shine" by standing out. This involves:

• Getting anointed: Inviting the Holy Spirit to enhance our natural gifts and skills, making us more effective.
• Having an excellent spirit: Doing everything well, with a good attitude, like Daniel who distinguished himself through diligence and integrity.
• Developing an "and then some" attitude: Going the extra mile, doing more than what's expected, like Rebekah watering Eliezer's camels, which led to unexpected blessings.

9. Be a hero in your family: Dig wells of sacrifice and discipline.

Some wells are worth fighting over. ... You are closer to the water than ever before.

Marriage under attack. Marriage and family are often battlegrounds for selfishness and external pressures, making it hard to see the "acres of diamonds" within them. The author shares his own marital struggles and the crucial role of mentors who insisted on staying and fighting for the relationship. He emphasizes that the sovereign vow made on a wedding day is a spiritual covenant not to be taken lightly, urging couples to stay and build their relationship on God's Word.

Digging wells for generations. Like Abraham and Isaac digging wells in a dry land, parents must invest sacrifice, discipline, quality time, and faithfulness into their families. These "wells" are not just for the present generation but create a spiritual inheritance for children and grandchildren. When the enemy clogs these wells with dirt (strife, rebellion, external influences), we must be willing to re-dig them, knowing that water (life, faith, Holy Spirit power) is closer than we think.

Four wells to dig:

• Sacrifice: Prioritizing family's spiritual well-being, like Rahab bringing her family "into the house" or Noah involving his family in building the ark. This means making church and faith a non-negotiable.
• Discipline: Training children in obedience and respect, setting boundaries, and teaching them right ways, even if past efforts fell short.
• Quality Time: Nurturing relationships through shared fun, laughter, and presence, showing up for their activities and creating memorable experiences.
• Faithfulness: Being consistent in marriage, providing for family, and creating an environment of faith through prayer and living out God's Word.

10. Wage spiritual warfare with God's prophetic promises.

Use your prophecies as weapons as you wage spiritual warfare by faith and with a clean conscience.

Win the battle you're in. If God has placed us in a tough spot, He has also equipped us to win it. Conflict builds strength, and God often works through us in impossible situations to demonstrate His power. The story of Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones illustrates that even in a "graveyard" situation—a dead marriage, finances, or dreams—God can bring life and raise an army, if we prophesy His Word over it.

The hand of the Lord. Our greatest victories come when we invite the "hand of the Lord" upon our lives. This anointing, the Holy Spirit activated in us, enables us to do what others cannot, providing protection, courage, vision, and success. It's not about our natural abilities or worldly achievements, but about God's sustaining power. Praying for God's hand to be upon us is more crucial than praying for circumstances to change, as it develops in us what we need to fulfill our purpose through the situation.

Speak your prophecy. God's Word is full of prophecies and promises for our lives and families. We are called to take these words and "wage good warfare" with them. This means actively speaking, declaring, and decreeing God's Word over our situations—our lack, defeat, addiction, or broken family. A clean conscience, built by living right, strengthens our faith to fight these spiritual battles. We must not quit too soon; if the prophecy hasn't come to pass, we keep fighting, knowing that God watches over His Word to perform it.

11. Keep an eternal perspective: Heaven is the ultimate "Acres of Diamonds."

This world is not our home; we are just pilgrims passing through.

Beyond earthly diamonds. While we seek and cultivate "acres of diamonds" in this life, the ultimate treasure is eternal life with God in heaven. Focusing solely on temporal earthly gains makes us ineffective. C.S. Lewis noted that Christians who did the most for this world were those who thought most of the next. An eternal perspective provides comfort, joy, and hope, especially when earthly trials strain us to our limits.

Heaven is real. Jesus' promise of "many mansions" in His Father's house, John's vision of a new heaven and earth, and Paul's description of the rapture all affirm that heaven is a real, spectacular place beyond human imagination. It's a place of life, reunion with loved ones, and constant worship, where all things are made new—no more death, sorrow, crying, pain, or separation. This reality should fill us with profound joy and anticipation.

Work for an eternal reward. Our labor on earth is not in vain. Every prayer, every act of faithfulness, every trial endured, and every righteous act contributes to an "eternal weight of glory" and our reward in heaven. This understanding motivates us to "work now"—to win souls, sing songs, pray prayers, and encourage others today, living for Jesus rather than temporary pleasures. Our service here determines the quality of our reward there, reminding us to live with heaven on our minds, knowing that our ultimate "acres of diamonds" await us in our eternal home.

Last updated: February 12, 2026