The Test Of Fire

Introduction:

Welcome my friend!

Since the last time we were here, a lot has happened but most notably was my birthday two (2) days back.

It was a time of introspection, to reflect on the journey thus far, and to plan ahead for a future entrusted into God's hands, with an eagerness to show this trust by obeying his will.

For sure, it's not going to be easy, which is why I urge you to please say a prayer for me in this regard; as I begin this new age and new phase of my life.

Over now to you, how's it been?

Truly, the days fly so quickly and can come with it a roller coaster of emotions and feelings but never forget our discussions here on the supremacy of God which makes him absolutely dependable to handle all our problems.

It's this confidence that means we can walk through fire without getting burnt because unlike paper we're made of steel and only get better from the 'heats' of life.

Discussion:

The sixteenth (16th) President of the United States once wrote his son's school teacher a letter stating a list of things he wanted the boy to be taught.

So profound and insightful were these words that they've become a popular advice passing through many generations and influencing many minds.

From teachings on how to believe in his own ideas even if everyone else thinks they're wrong, to warnings against putting a price tag on his soul and heart, there are so many lessons anyone can learn from the letter.

However, our discussion today focuses on the beginning of it where President Abraham Lincoln wrote "...teach him gently but do not cuddle him, for only the test of fire makes fine steel"

In this, he had given the teacher the order and responsibility to find the right approach to teaching his son, such that it balances well between knowing when to cuddle and when to turn up the heat.

For us though, it kind of makes us wonder if life, our perpetual teacher, is under such instructions to apply the same approach to teaching us; using the good moments for our warmth and comfort and the challenges to put us through the fire of character development.

■ Understanding The Fires We Walk Through

As the minutes turn to hours, days become years, as we get older in both numbers and experience.

Some of these experiences are so intensely heartbreaking, disappointing or shameful that they burn through our hearts leaving us in a state of despair.

However, if we pay attention in these times and respond rightly, we embrace their purpose and become better afterwards.

Some of these life's fire we pass through include:

▪︎ Death Of A Loved One

The unsaid goodbyes, the memories shared and the dreams together are some of the reasons why losing a loved family or friend is one of the most difficult fires to pass through.

▪︎ Having A Loved One With Special Needs

To see someone we so deeply care about struggle with so many things we wish we could just give them can be heartbreaking.

Also, the responsibility of having to avail ourselves 24/7 to them can be challenging considering other engagements, yet we try our best to still show up, to stand firm and to smile for them.

▪︎ Becoming Sick Ourselves

One day waking up to having lost one or more of our abilities like sight, hearing, speech or even movement due to one illness or the other is another of life's fire that can consume or strengthen accordingly depending on our response.

It's having to embrace the reality that we may never be able to do or experience the things we loved so much and used to do with ease.

▪︎ The End Of A Relationship

When love comes to an end it can be difficult to handle especially when many years of effort, commitment and sacrifice have been vested into it.

It's feeling the pain of betrayal from being cheated on.

▪︎ Dealing With Losses From Natural or Human Disasters

The news that your home or office space has been involved in a fire incident is one hell of an experience.

It's moving from abundance to lack to debt in a twinkle of an eye.

▪︎ Series of Misfortune

There comes a time when everything that can go wrong seems to be going wrong.

It's landing in trouble for being at a place in a bad time.

It's forgetting our luggage in a cab in the night and waking up to news that our store has been burgled.

Through its different forms, the intensity and recurrence of situations can become burdensome.

■ Effects Of The Fire

The quality of a metal to be shaped into different shapes or forms without cracking is known as its malleability.

Yet the same fire that allows a metal to be forged into different shapes is what could get paper burnt.

As we go through our fires, we're supposed to be forged into submission to the purpose for which we are suffering, to align ourselves with the meaning of our pain such as developing empathy for those with the same plight and using the lessons of our own experience to light the path for them.

Without this submission, we're unable to give up control, guilt and shame in exchange for the strength of healing that comes with leaning on God.

Summary:

Marking the birthday came with it different memories of both the gentle cuddles of life and the burning fires of it, both of which my faith in God has been forged.

Through each step my walk in this place has led me to your path which is something that I'm most grateful for.

See you next week my friend!

Master Apprentice.

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