TOBI Says, Wagons Ho!

A mixture of people were the pioneers that traveled west and built this nation. Some of the stories were about individuals and their families. Maybe some of the facts were added to make the stories more enjoyable for the viewers, but all of those rugged people faced hardships and difficult times.

Many of the stories tell of tenderfoots or greenhorns that left their homes in the East. They were dreamers, adventurers and mainly unprepared individuals. Many of them died on the way. They faced Indians, outlaws and mountains that were major obstacles in their paths. Along the way they saw the remains of others that had tried before them.

But the lives of those that did make it were all radically changed. The rough times, the tests and challenges along the way made them strong. Any of the accounts of those people told of the growth in the lives of each one. They developed to become strong men and women, prepared to build the new country.

This is similar to the Christian life. Becoming a child of God is only the beginning. Having your sins forgiven puts you into God’s family.

There is physical growth in the life of any person. And there is also mental growth. But these processes take time and work. There are growing pains in the learning process.

There is spiritual growth in the life of a Christian. Spiritual growth requires time and work also. There are growing pains in the learning process. Problems and tests along the way help the individual to develop spiritual muscles. A mature Christian has been through many challenges along the way. Each challenge was there for a purpose. Something was to be learned from that event.

So be prepared for challenges in your life. Be open to learning the lessons and see what God has for you.