This weekend we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but the life lessons we glean from Patrick’s amazing life are far different than the parade and celebrations of today. His story is truly inspirational and a beautiful picture of God’s work through a humble heart.
Born to a noble family in Roman Britain (now part of Scotland) in 373 AD, he didn’t adhere to his family’s Christian faith in his early years. Yet at the age of 16, Patrick was taken captive by pirates and sold into slavery in Hibernia (Ireland). While in captivity he gave his life to Christ.
At age 22, God miraculously led him to freedom, and he was able to find a ship that took him to Britain. Although there were setbacks, he eventually made it home. There in the safety and joy of being reunited with his family, the Lord spoke to him in a dream and told him to return to Hibernia. His family begged him not to go, but at the age of 30, he returned to the place that once held him captive. The one book in his hand – a Latin Bible!
He began preaching about Jesus and sharing the victory of the gospel story. He preached of the resurrection and used a clover to illustrate the Trinity. God worked powerfully through Patrick as thousands were converted to Christ. He put an end to the Druid’s human sacrifices as well as ending slavery.
Many generations to come were transformed by the willing heart of this faithful servant. His life was filled with hardship, humility and the joy of seeing many come to faith in Jesus. May his story inspire us to share Christ’s love and hope wherever we find ourselves, even in the hard places.
In short, I am a slave in Christ to this faraway people for the indescribable glory of ‘everlasting life which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. – St. Patrick, “A Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus”
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