This book is about Christian spiritual growth, but it is not focusing on the disciplines which we know are critical for increased knowledge and maturity, such as studying the scriptures, prayer, attending fellowship and spending time in worship.  We take those as a given and vital but the growth that comes from these things, are worked out on the anvil of life. We read the Scriptures and pray but when we leave home or leave church the lessons truly begin. This book is about the various ways that God gives us the opportunities to respond to and work out the principles we have been taught. The Word must become flesh and that happens best in the daily warp and woof and trials of life.

God sought to help the Old Testament people of Israel to develop spiritually by taking them through some delightful and sometimes trying experiences. Paul says that we are to learn from them, how we can respond to God and grow.