The Writings of Patrick (10)

I’m sure it would be tedious to tell
in whole, or in detail – as very well
I might – my undertaking for the Lord.
But here I shall relate in brief a word
concerning how the holy God, on more
than one occasion, intervening for
my benefit, freed me from slavery
and from the dangers that have threatened me
throughout my ministry, as well as from
the many snares and trouble that have come
my way. I do not wish my readers to
affront; but God, Who knows what we will do
and everything that comes to pass before
it does, is my authority, and more
than once He gave me counsel, just because
I’m in His care, although He knew I was
both poor and insignificant.

                                               From where
did all this understanding come to bear
on me, who neither knew the number of
my days on earth nor Him Who showed His love
to me? How did I come to know the Lord,
if not through grace alone, and by His Word,
that I should long to follow Him and leave
my homeland and my family to grieve
for me? When first I left for Ireland’s shore,
they offered many gifts and tears and more
to keep me home; and I offended them
and went against the wishes of the men
who were accountable for me. But I
was guided by the Lord above in my
decision, and He told me I should not
agree with them or give consent to what
they wanted. He opposed them all on my
behalf and triumphed in my soul, so I
can take no credit for my leaving. So
I came to Ireland so that I might go
among the heathen and proclaim the Word
of God, to call them to receive the Lord,
and suffer many insults at their hands.
So it is difficult to understand
the sad disgrace of my rejection, when
I suffered so much at the hands of men,
including being made a slave again
and sacrificing my inheritance
to serve the pagans. I am ready though
to freely give my life that they might know
my Savior, so in Ireland I will stay
and serve the Lord, until my dying day!

For more about Patrick and the impact of his ministry, order a copy of The Legacy of Patrick, by T. M. Moore from our online store.