Christian Living

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Growth In The Father
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Many centuries ago, among the Seminole Nation of Indians, in order to become a man, boys were given a series of tests or ordeal to challenge and compel them to demonstrate the skills they would need in their journey through manhood.

One such ordeal has it where the boy’s father or male relative took him deep into the forest or everglade and to leave him alone. The youngster was required to sit on a stump or in the designated area the whole night without moving with a blindfold across his face so that he would be unable to see. He was required to stay in the designated spot until the sun rose the next day. The young man could not cry out for help, cry or take any evasive measures if he thought there might be a threat of danger. For some day youngster were told, he might have to bury himself in the ground and to be quiet to protect the tribe from attacking forces

The youngster, though he may have been afraid of being attacked by wild animals, he had to believe and remain steadfast. If insects resorted to biting him, he was not allowed hit and kill them. As the wind blew, the 12 year old had to have enough stamina not to move his body from his location. He was to stay fast. For to become a man, he would to be as stealth as he could be to protect the women and children who would depend upon his toughness in the face of hardship.

When the sun and its warmth rose in the eastern sky, his father or male relative would come touch him about the head and remove the blindfold. Finally, his ordeal of the night would be over. He would be given his bow and arrow to be declared that he IS a man. The newest man would learn that near the area where he maintained discipline would inform him that sitting quietly near him was his father to watch him through out the night to guard him from anyone attempted to approach with the weapons of the tribe—spears, bow and arrows.

Like the youngsters of the Seminole Nation attempting to grow to manhood, God, Our Heavenly Father, is there watching over us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is to reach out and call on Him. And just because you cannot see God, does not mean that He is not there to protect you. An advantage every Christian has over those who do not believe!!!

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