Refiner’s Fire

My life, like everyone’s, has been full of ups and downs.

And every time I thought, “This is it. This is the one from which I’ll never recover.

Amazingly, I was wrong. Every time. I not only recover but I come out stronger. Every time.

Most recently I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At age 31. With two young children. And that nagging “I’ll-never-recover” thought took on a whole new meaning.

Throughout the first week of my diagnosis the phrase ‘refiner’s fire’ kept popping into my mind, so I took a moment to look into it and found references throughout the Old Testament, 3rd Nephi, and the Doctrine and Covenants.

The phrase refers to how a refiner of metal uses fire to not only rid the metal of impurities but also to make it more flexible so it can be molded or re-shaped.

Symbolically it is referring to the Savior as the refiner and the cleansing of the earth in preparation for the Second Coming. And I know that it applies to us individually as well. That the trials we go through in this life are a refining fire and how, if we let Him, the Savior can rid us of impurities and mold us into His image.

In a 2006 General Conference message, President James E. Faust states, “In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from the soul.”

The good news is that, once again, I have recovered – emotionally, spiritually and even physically. And I have learned so much through this adversity that I never would have otherwise.

In 2nd Nephi, Chapter 2 we learn that there must be opposition in all things because without it we could not discern the bitter from the sweet. My life has proven repeatedly that the blessings and tender mercies of the Lord far outweigh any trials I may face.

I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father who has even more in store for me.

[If they were yours, you’d want to show them off too.]

8 comments

  1. Anne B. says:

    You most definitely SHOULD show those kiddies off!!

    Thanks, once again, for the wonderful reminder that life is sweet, and while the refiner's fire is hot, we DO come out better. Every time.

  2. Anne B. says:

    You most definitely SHOULD show those kiddies off!!

    Thanks, once again, for the wonderful reminder that life is sweet, and while the refiner's fire is hot, we DO come out better. Every time.

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