One measure of our spiritual maturity is the way we respond when things go wrong. If we give in to despair, doubt God's existence, or strike out at some innocent person, we have some growing up to do.

Explorer Samuel Hearne (1745-1792) was on an expedition in northern Canada when a crucial piece of charting equipment broke. So he had to turn back. Then, thieves stole most of his supplies. Hearne responded in an unexpected way. In his journal he wrote, "As the ravagers had materially lightened my load, . . . this part of the journey was the easiest and most pleasant of any I had experienced since my leaving the fort."

Back in the first century, as the apostle Paul traveled from town to town proclaiming the gospel, he faced opposition and desperate situations (2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 11:23-33). Time and time again he found help and hope by turning to the Lord.

How about you? How did you respond the last time something went wrong? Did you fall apart? If so, you need to ask God for patience and a positive perspective to handle life's setbacks in a mature Christian way (James 1:2-5). When things go wrong, ask God for strength and wisdom. Then thank Him for working to increase your faith.  —DCE  — David C. Egner