Luke 8:13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. NIV

I use the New International Version here for the very use of the word testing. Most other bible versions use the word temptation but since I am trying to score test results, I needed a version that used testing.

Temptations are one source of faith testing for sure. Here it is seen as a testing of ground upon which the gospel has been sown. This falling away or failing the test says you don’t belong in this class. It is a qualification test. It is not the only type of testing.

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. KJV

Now the NIV once again used testing in place of trying, but I have switched back to the KJV for a particular reason. Trying is the assertion that you belong in this class and that you are sitting down to take the test. Taking the test produces a test score. Your testing or more accurately trying out your faith, will produce results. In this case James is identifying patience as a result.

Romans 5:2-5 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Try your faith, take it out for a test run, to prove to yourself that the love of God in your heart is at work, producing results, a good report card.