After William Carey was well established in his pioneer missionary work in India his supporters in England sent a printer to assist him. Soon the two men were turning out portions of the Bible for distribution.
Carey had spent many years learning the language so that he could produce the Scriptures in the local dialect. He had also prepared dictionaries and grammars for the use of his successors.

One day, while Carey was away, a fire broke out and completely destroyed the building, the presses, many Bibles and the precious manuscripts, dictionaries and grammars.

When he returned and was told of the tragic loss. He showed no sign of despair or impatience, instead, he knelt and thanked God that he still had the strength to do the work over again. He started immediately, not wasting a moment in self-pity.

Before his death, he had duplicated and even improved on his earlier achievements.

The ability to meet a tragic loss with such uncomplaining endurance is evidence of a faith that has been well tested - a faith firmly rooted in God whose love has been poured out in one's heart.

The next time you are facing a trying situation, ask the Lord for perseverance. Then pick up the pieces and start all over again.