on August 16 2026 at 01:08 PM
Life’s Lessons
When I was in my 20s, some time ago, I was speaking with a friend of mine, telling him about life’s general trials and tribulations. He was much older, and I was seeking guidance concerning an issue.
He proceeded to ask me, “Pat, do know how steel is made?” I looked at him and said “ I’ve never thought about it.”
His response, “the metal is put through the fire, then it is hammered to get out any impurities, then put through the fire again. It makes the steel much stronger and... moreLife’s Lessons
When I was in my 20s, some time ago, I was speaking with a friend of mine, telling him about life’s general trials and tribulations. He was much older, and I was seeking guidance concerning an issue.
He proceeded to ask me, “Pat, do know how steel is made?” I looked at him and said “ I’ve never thought about it.”
His response, “the metal is put through the fire, then it is hammered to get out any impurities, then put through the fire again. It makes the steel much stronger and more pure. That is what is happening to you now.”
He opened up his Bible to the following:
Isaiah 48:10
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.”
God speaks of refining His people through hardship rather than literal metalworking. The purpose is purification and preparation, done for His own sake and glory.
1 Peter 1:6–7
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Peter compares genuine faith to gold refined by fire. Trials prove and purify faith so that it results in praise when Christ is revealed. Faith tested this way is more valuable than perishable gold.
I carried this lesson with me for the past 48 years. Whenever something comes up, I sit and pray, and ask for the Lords guidance, and remain still in spirit, and the answer comes. It’s how we grow, life’s lessons, some of our greatest teachers.
CAA Patricia Fraser
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
