Wearing Green?

During 6 years of slavery to a Celtic tribe, Patrick experienced hardship and adversity in a way that I can't imagine. While in such difficult circumstances, God brought to his mind the truth his mother had taught him years earlier. This foundation in the Word of God became the basis for his conversion.

In St. Patrick's own words:

“I was sixteen years old and knew not the true God and was carried away captive; but in that strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes, and although late I called my sins to mind, and was converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God, who regarded my low estate, had pity on my youth and ignorance, and consoled me as a father consoles his children. Every day I used to look after sheep and I used to pray often during the day, the love of God and a holy fear of Him increased more and more in me. My faith began to grow and my spirit was ardently stirred. Often, I would pray as many as a hundred times in a single day — and nearly as many at night. Even when I was staying out in the woods or on the mountain, I would rise before dawn for prayer, in snow and frost and rain. I felt no ill effect and there was no slackness in me. As I now realize, it was because the Spirit was maturing and preparing me for a work yet to come.”

Despite all the suffering Patrick went through at the hands of his captors, the love Christ showed him turned into a deep love for those who had hurt him. Again, I can't even imagine. Patrick's desire to reach out to the Celtic people kept hanging on to his heart and didn't let go. Eventually, he outright decided to go back to Ireland, where he had been a mistreated slave, and preach the Good News. His efforts were incredibly effective. Because of his steadfast love for the Irish people and fire for evangelism, thousands of people became believers.

On this Saint Patrick's day, I'm wearing green, dreaming of some unknown Irish heritage. But I'm also celebrating the way God works in real people through history to advance His kingdom. Patrick's love for Ireland is just one example of the Gospel in action.

"We know that the kingdom of heaven belongs to “those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness” (Matt. 5:10) and that great 'blessings' and 'rewards' eventually await those who have been 'insulted,' 'slandered,' and 'sore vexed' who nevertheless persevere in their high callings (Matt. 5:12–13). We know that often it is in 'afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, sleeplessness, and hunger' (2 Cor. 6:4–5) that our real mettle is proven. Nevertheless, we often forget that these things are not simply to be endured. They actually frame our greatest calling. They lay the foundations for our most effective ministries. It is when, like Patrick, we come to love God’s enemies and ours that we are set free for great effectiveness."