Gold is refined by the fire which heats it until the impurities come out. When we are in a trial in our life is representational of this fire. God uses it for good and often we come out a better person if we allow God to do a work in our heart. When we are pressed in life is when we allow God to be our strength and lay aside the idea that we ever had control, because God is the author and perfector of our faith.
See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 48:10