Life is a course. It is seen in stories throughout the history. People's character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty are being continually tested. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur many times in your life.

   Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 

We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

   Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. What’s your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the wealth? People even watch the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.

   We don't know all the tests that will happen to you, but we can predict some of them, based on the experiences of our fathers and grandfathers.

   You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered expectations, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies.

   A very important test is how you act when you live. Life tests one’s character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.

   When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on others.     

   Some tests seem overwhelming, while others you don't even notice. But all of them have eternal implications.

   Everybody has to pass the tests of life. The tests you face won’t be greater than the ability you have to handle them. If the test is beyond your power, you have no way out.

   Every time you pass a test, you are rewarded. Can you endure when you are tested? When you pass the test, you will receive the crown of life.

   Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  

   Your unspoken life influences your life more than you realize. It determines your expectations, your values, your relationships, your goals, and your priorities.  

   For instance, if you think life is a party, your primary value in life will be having fun. If you see life as a race, you will value speed and will probably be in a hurry, much of the time. If you view life as a marathon, you will value endurance. If you see life as a battle or a game, winning will be very important to you.