We see people around us who seem to have it all together—shining, polished, successful, standing strong in their faith. But what we don't see is the heat of the fire they had to endure to get there. We don't see the trials, the struggles, the disappointments, the nights they spent crying out to God.
Last year, I received a special gift—a hand cross. It was forged from raw steel by a talented young welder, Jonah Doudoukjian. He is the son of our dear Der Stepanos and Yeretsguin Paulette at St. Peter's in Albany. Jonah poured his heart, his passion, and his faith into shaping that metal into a cross. He even welded the cross that sits atop the entrance dome of their church. I want to thank Jonah for his craftsmanship and for giving me this powerful reminder of faith.
Every time I hold that cross in my hand, and I feel the seams, see the color variations, notice those tiny imperfections where the sparks once flew, I’m reminded of a powerful truth: steel doesn’t become a cross without going through the fire. It had to face the heat, endure the pressure, be hammered with precision, and shaped into something strong and beautiful.
Life has a way of putting us through the fire. We've all been there—moments of heartbreak, disappointment, seasons when we felt like we were breaking apart. But here's the good news: with God as our Master Welder, those broken pieces can be fused together to create something even stronger than before.
The Apostle Paul said it best in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." Friends, you might get bent, but you won’t be broken. You might feel welded back together, but that weld is God's grace reinforcing your spirit.
So, the next time you feel the heat turning up, remember the fire is temporary, but the strength it produces is permanent. Stay in faith, keep trusting, and believe that God is molding you for something greater. And when you come out of the fire—and you will—you'll be standing stronger, shining brighter, and living as a testimony to the power of God's refining love.
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