Indeed, this life is a test. It is a test of many things - of our

Opening Scene

The room is quiet, bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun. The peaceful stillness of the evening contrasts with the world outside, where the hustle of the day is slowly fading away. Jack sits at the table, his hands resting thoughtfully in front of him, while Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the view below. The atmosphere is calm, yet there's a sense of reflection in the air, as if a deeper conversation is about to begin.

Host: After a few moments, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice calm but thoughtful, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Sheri L. Dew that really struck me. She said, ‘Indeed, this life is a test. It is a test of many things — of our convictions and priorities, our faith and our faithfulness, our patience and our resilience, and in the end, our ultimate desires.’ It made me think about how we approach life — how it often feels like a series of challenges and tests, each one asking something different of us. What do you think about that idea — that life is ultimately a test?”

Jack: “It’s a powerful thought, isn’t it? When we think about life as a test, it reframes our experiences. We tend to see challenges as obstacles, things to be avoided, but Sheri Dew is suggesting that those challenges are actually opportunities — opportunities to learn about our convictions, faith, and resilience. It’s not just about surviving them, but about how we rise to meet them and what we learn along the way.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s not just about passing or failing; it’s about how we grow through the process. Life’s tests — whether they’re about our priorities, our patience, or even our desires — reveal so much about who we are. And in a way, those tests help shape us into who we’re meant to become. It’s not always easy, but it’s how we respond that matters most.”

Jack: “And the beauty of it is that each test is an opportunity to reassess where we stand. Our priorities shift, our faith gets tested, our resilience is stretched. Those moments are where we learn about ourselves and where we grow the most. And when we look back, it’s not the easy moments that define us — it’s the tests, the struggles, and how we choose to respond to them.”

Host: The conversation continues, deepening as they both reflect on the idea of life as a test. Jack leans forward, his fingers lightly tapping on the table, while Jeeny walks over and sits across from him, her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “It’s interesting, because I think what Dew is getting at is that these tests — these challenges — are part of the human experience. We can’t avoid them, and maybe we’re not supposed to. They help us clarify what’s truly important to us, what we believe in, and what we’re willing to endure. We’re constantly being tested, not just by external circumstances, but by our own internal struggles. And how we navigate those tests shapes who we are.”

Jack: “Yes, exactly. And I think the key part of the quote is at the end — our ultimate desires. When we’re faced with tests, we often have to make decisions based on what we ultimately want in life. Do we want to choose comfort over growth? Do we want to choose selfishness over kindness? The tests of life ask us those questions, and what we choose shows us what we truly desire — deep down.”

Jeeny: “That’s so true. The tests of life don’t just reveal our weaknesses or flaws; they also reveal our strengths, our capacity for growth. When we choose to act with integrity, to be patient, or to stay faithful even when it’s hard, we learn that those things are what we really value. The test is a mirror, showing us who we really are and what we really want.”

Jack: “And in the end, the ultimate test is about living in alignment with those core values and desires. Life is constantly throwing challenges at us, and it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. But when we remember that it’s all part of the test — that everything we go through is an opportunity to live out what we truly believe in — we can approach life with a sense of purpose and clarity.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as though the weight of Sheri L. Dew’s words has settled in between them. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a realization: life’s challenges are not just obstacles, but opportunities to grow, to discover what we truly desire, and to align our actions with our deepest values.

Jeeny: “So maybe the key is seeing life’s tests not as burdens, but as opportunities for growth. Each challenge helps us clarify who we are and what we want. It’s not about avoiding the test, but about how we face it, and how we let it shape us.”

Jack: “Exactly. The test is not something we’re meant to fear, but something we’re meant to embrace. It’s in the struggles, in the tests of life, that we find the clarity and strength to live according to our highest ideals. And in the end, that’s what shapes our lives.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation settles into a quiet understanding. Life’s tests may come in many forms, but each one holds the potential for growth and transformation. It’s in how we respond, how we stay true to our convictions, and how we embrace our challenges that we find the strength to become who we are truly meant to be. Through these tests, we discover our true desires and learn to live with purpose.