Saint Patrick (c. 387-460)
READ: John 1:1-18; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Before
Patrick, Ireland was a pagan nation, spiritually controlled by the Druids.
Little is known about the Druid practices, though they did include sorcery and
human sacrifice. They had quite a high level of control in the country, being
exempt from taxes and holding the power to deem people as social outcasts
through excommunication. It was into this dark land that God called Patrick,
though unwillingly at first. At sixteen the Britain-born Patrick was captured
by the Irish and sold to be a herdsman. It was here where his parents’ faith
became his own. Later he would recognize his captivity as God’s merciful hand
on his life, giving him an opportunity to commit himself to Christ. After six
years, Patrick had a dream in which he was told that his ship would soon be
ready. Escaping his master, he made his way to the sea and got a job on a ship.
The next few years of Patrick’s life are not known for certain, but he did
eventually return to his homeland. It was here where he had another dream –
this time he saw a man carrying a bag of letters. As he read them, it was as if
Patrick heard all of the voices of Ireland pleading with him to come back to
their land. The Lord was calling him to bring the gospel to those who had
enslaved him. In faith, Patrick made the trip back, this time as a slave to
Christ. His years as a slave in the country had prepared him, for he knew how
to work with the people. Patrick is accredited to the Christianization of
Ireland in the years that followed, bringing the truth of Christ throughout the
nation, starting hundreds of churches and baptising thousands into the faith. Jesus
is the light of the world. In proclaiming Christ to the Irish people, Patrick
brought the light of Christ into the darkness of Ireland – and because of His
faith and obedience, an entire nation came to its knees.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
