We are chosen: that’s where we start in this exploration of I Thessalonians. But now we take another step and discover that we are also tested, a tricky word, to say the least. What comes to mind when you hear that we as Christians are tested? Or our faith is tested? Or that God tests us? Consider what you think, and then consider what many in your congregation might think. How does that sound? How is God portrayed in those understandings? How does God come across to those who think about being tested? Arbitrary? Capricious? Maybe even cruel?