I know, I don't normally send
out an email on Saturdays...
But I couldn't let St. Patrick's Day go by without encouraging you with a brief reminder of the man who did so much for the kingdom by being faithful to God's call on his life..
St. Patrick was born in Britain at the end of the fourth century, during the last days of the Roman Empire.
At the age of
sixteen, invading pirates took him captive and sold him into slavery in Ireland.
After six years as a slave, Patrick was able to escape and he returned to his homeland.
Though back home, Patrick’s captivity left a lasting mark on him... leading him from the nominal Christianity of his upbringing to a deep and committed faith.
Eventually, Patrick was “struck to the heart” that it was his duty to return to the land of his captivity and convert the Irish to Christ.
When he got back to Ireland, Patrick felt inadequate for the task... because his prior enslavement had cut short his education.
But before long, his upright character and earnest approach gave him favor with the
people.
As the Celtic people turned to Christ, Ireland became a place of refuge from the barbarians that were sweeping across the crumbling empire.
And through the relative calm of this place, the best of history was preserved until a brighter day... and the Irish people provided a bridge that would lead to a new beginning centuries later.
St. Patrick lived in a time of massive change and instability.
And the people of his day had many fears as they became more and more fragmented from one another.
But through his faith, courage, and humility,
Patrick led many to Christ... bringing about transformed lives and the hope of a better tomorrow.
As the foundations of our own society crumble, the story of St. Patrick should encourage us.
It shows us how much God can use just one person who is faithful to their calling... to bring light
in dark times... preserve what is good... and prepare the way for God's transforming grace to touch many lives in the future.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!