John Calvin's Quote on Prosperity, Adversity and the Christian Life
Looking at this quote by John Calvin, this phrase fully agrees with the Bible to why we are even tested. Based on my experience as a born again Christian, it's much easier to stay faithful when I am in danger than I am in prosperity. Why is that? Remember that even when a Christian is saved, they still have the flesh to struggle with and remember, the old nature has always been about "Me, myself and I." instead of "Father, Son and Spirit". Even after a person accepts their own works cannot save, they can still become braggarts and say, "I did it!"
What I learned is that from adversity rather than prosperity is when my faith is strengthened. The faith of man is never strengthened in the grounds of ease. When does a Christian's true color show? Not when it's comforting and when the worldly love him or her. Let a group of ISIS or Communists barge in and shoot the Christians, that timid Christian who was so comfortable may soon be bolder when persecution comes. When the gun and the knife wasn't around, the Christian may be afraid to speak for Jesus but when the real threat comes, he or she by God's grace chooses to lose everything for Christ's sake.
Sola Deo Gloria, Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam! And no, the Jesuits don't deserve to wear Ad Maoirem Dei Gloriam but only Ad Maoirem Jesuit Gloriam.