Today’s reading: 1 Nephi 19:13– 1 Nephi 20
10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Everyone goes through times in life where the Lord can can help refine us, where we can either turn to Him or away from Him. These are often referred to as our trials. While in the midst of affliction and heartache, it is so easy to wonder why these trials are put in our life. Through the experiences I have had I firmly believe that these trials are not to punish us, or to weaken our faith. We are given trials to help us become the best we can, to help purify our hearts, and to help us become stronger and better.
When I was 15 my life changed forever. I was attending gym class at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 when the school shootings occurred there. I remember feeling so lost and scared and broken. My innocence was taken from me in an instant. Day after day I wondered why this happened and how it could ever be a good thing in my life. Sometimes the pain, and the emotions I felt seemed unbearable.
This was my furnace of affliction.
It took many years for me to realize the tender mercies and blessings that were given to me at that time. As time has passed, I can see how that trial helped me gain compassion, perspective, faith, understanding and truly helped shaped me into who I am today.
From the Book of Mormon study manual it says: Intense heat refines metal and removes impurities. Dallin H. Oaks observed that affliction can likewise refine and purify each of us. In his talk The Challenge to Become, he goes on to say:
“Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call ‘the furnace of affliction’. Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Still others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression. Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become”
I have learned that when I put all my faith in the Lord, and when I am keeping the commandments, reading my scriptures, and saying sincere prayers, I am able to see how my trials are helping to shape me into the stronger, more faithful person that God wants me to become.
How have the trials in your life helped refine you?
I was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado but now call Bountiful, Utah home. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband (we met on a blind date!) and two beautiful daughters. I get to be a stay-at-home mom which I love. I’m also a Netflix binge watcher and an avid reader. I love shopping at Target, dark chocolate and spending time with our friends and family. Surviving the Columbine High School shooting as a teenager , battling infertility as an adult and knowing I am a daughter of God has helped me to look for the good in the world and focus on the tender mercies in my life. My passion is writing and sharing my heart and soul with others.