Praying to be brave like St. Patrick
Christine F. Perry
Bible Reading:
“Be strong and brave, and do not fear or fear them. Your God is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you or abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
Read or listen to the following:
Did you know that St. Patrick was a real man who loved the Lord? The first time I remember hearing him was on a child’s radio show. Though a child, his story of faith and perseverance never left me. I would like to share with you the outline of his story. When Patrick was a teenager, he and his family went on vacation at sea. Before dawn, Irish pirates attacked. Patrick’s family ran away, but Patrick didn’t. He was placed on a ship headed for Ireland, where he was sold as a slave to the chief of the Druid tribe. Although he grew up in a Christian home, Patrick never decided to follow Christ until he was sold to slavery. While shepherds in the field, he began to talk to God and soon surrendered his life to Christ.
After six years of slavery, Patrick escaped, travelling 200 miles, aboard the British and his family’s boats. As soon as he returned, Patrick began his studies to become a priest. However, Patrick felt he was pulling back to Ireland as a Druid missionary. Contrary to his parents’ wishes, he returned to Ireland. Patrick began sharing the gospel while teaching people how to read and write. One day, Patrick had the opportunity to share the gospel with his former slave owner. Instead of accepting the gospel, however, the slave before him was locked up in his own house, burning it while Patrick stood outside, begging him not to turn to Christ.
Despite the opposition, some druids believed. At the same time, others tried to kill him through addiction and physical attacks. Another time, Patrick became a prisoner, and the expected outcome was executed, but God was not carried out with Patrick and he was released. Patrick once said, “As each day arrives, I expect either a sudden death or a deceit, or I expect to be reclaimed as a slave or other misfortune like that. But I look to the promises of heaven and worry about having ruled primarily everywhere, so I am not afraid of any of these.
Patrick spent the rest of his life sharing Christ until his death on March 17th. I wonder how many times did it feel like Patrick was throwing a towel? Did he threaten to discourage him from continuing, saying that “Druids are too difficult to reach”? I know that after years of praying in my life for the salvation of those I love, I questioned whether they were too hard to reach. But I try to keep one poem close to my heart and mind. It is Jeremiah 32:27, “I am the Lord and the God of all mankind. Nothing, no one is too difficult for the Lord. May you have the courage to be patient and faithful to share God’s Word, no matter what cost.
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for Patrick’s life. Thank you for giving him the courage to reach Ireland and for allowing us to know his story. I hope you help us to have enough courage to share the gospel with our family, friends, neighbors and our community. Lord, I ask you not only willing to die for you, but also to help you live every moment we have for you. We know that without you this life is meaningless. And everything is possible through you. Let us help you to be strong and courageous, knowing we are the majority. we love you. May our lives reflect you and your goodness. Amen.
Photo credit: ©istock/getty Images Plus/Kateryna Kovarzh
Christine is just a woman who is given the gift of being raised in an incredible family. For reasons unknown to her, God blessed her with a surprising life filled with beautiful friendship, amazing experiences, and love from a totally underserved him. She wants to encourage others and share their hopes as we travel through the highs and lows of life. Christine is the author of How I Found Peace and The Weary Life Traveler, 31 Days of Prayer. For more information about Christine’s work, see her website: Learn to Be Fearless.
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