How do we react to tragic events? When upsetting experiences come into our personal lives and create an atmosphere of darkness and gloom, how do we respond? We may tend to panic or lose heart. A man named Abraham Davenport can teach us a lesson in steadfastness.

On May 19, 1780, a mysterious phenomenon took place. Thick darkness (perhaps caused by smoke from forest fires combined with dense fog) covered areas of New England. Filled with fear, many people thought the world was coming to an end.

The Connecticut legislature was meeting that day, and many members were urging adjournment. Abraham Davenport, however, proclaimed to his colleagues, "I am against adjournment. The day of judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish therefore that candles may be brought."

The apostle Paul had a similar determination. Even though he had faced severe hardship and opposition, and he was hearing gloomy news about his future, he was determined to "finish [his] race with joy" (Acts 20:24).

Let us, then, with soul-quieting confidence in our Lord, remain steadfast in serving Him all our days.
  — Vernon C. Grounds