Who Was the Real St. Patrick?

Who Was The Real St. Patrick? by Tina @ DaySpring 

“He who is powerful came and in His mercy pulled me out, and lifted me up and placed me on the very top of the wall.  That is why I must shout aloud in return to the Lord for such great good deeds of His, here and now and forever, which the human mind cannot measure.”
                                                                                                                     -St. Patrick
Today is St. Patrick’s Day! As we speak, thousands (maybe millions) are laying out their favorite green shirt or tie to wear in celebration of the holiday. And, while this is really just good-hearted fun, the unfortunate part is how very little most of us know about the actual man who would eventually be called St. Patrick, who was himself a devoted missionary for Christ.

Patrick was born in Britain into a Christian family arguably in the late 4^th century A.D. However, it wasn’t until he was kidnapped by Irish pirates at 16 and sold into slavery into Ireland that he developed a true relationship with God. The anguish of being separated from his close family and desperation for freedom only deepened his faith.

But, this is not where his story ends because, as we learn in Romans 8:28, “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

After six years in captivity, he escaped and was reunited with his family.  Story has it that he began having visions convincing him that God was calling him to return and preach the Word of God – to the very people who had held him captive. So, Patrick bravely followed God’s calling and returned to Ireland where over many decades he was devoted in ministry, planting churches, ordaining new ministers and more.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  -Galatians 6:9 

Can you imagine what must have gone through Patrick’s mind when he heard the Lord’s call to return to the land where he was once a slave?  He must have wondered if he was mad to consider placing his life in harm’s way again.  But, instead of running to his safe place, he followed God’s plan for his life. And, isn’t this exactly what we are called to do?

In Proverbs 3:5-6, it states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Then in Jeremiah 29:11, it states: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

And, then again in James 4:15, it states “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

On this St. Patrick’s Day, why not spend a little quiet time with God? Be bold in asking Him about His plans for your life, what your next move should be, and listen closely to what He has to say.

And, while you’re pinning on your little green button or putting on your green tie, take a few moments to honor and be inspired by the work of “the real St. Patrick” - a man who boldly listened to God’s calling in his life and in turn achieved so much for the Kingdom.