A Prayer to Be Courageous Like Saint Patrick
By Christine F. Perry
Bible Reading:
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
Read or Listen Below:
Did you know that St. Patrick was a real man who loved the Lord? The first time I remember hearing his story was on a kid's radio program. Although a child, his story of faith and perseverance never left me. I'd like to share a synopsis of his story with you all. When Patrick was a teenager, he and his family went on a vacation by the sea. Before dawn, Irish pirates attacked. Patrick's family escaped, but Patrick did not. He was placed on a ship headed to Ireland, where he was sold as a slave to a Druid tribal chieftain. Although raised in a Christian home, Patrick never made a decision to follow Christ until after he was sold into slavery. While shepherding in the fields, he began talking with God and soon surrendered his life to Christ.
After six years of slavery, Patrick escaped and traveled 200 miles to catch a ship home to Britain and his family. Shortly after returning, Patrick began studying to become a priest. However, Patrick felt a pull to go back to Ireland as a missionary to the Druids — the same group that had kidnapped him. Against his parents' wishes, he returned to Ireland. Patrick began sharing the gospel while teaching people to read and write. One day, Patrick had the opportunity to share the gospel with his former slave owner. Yet, instead of accepting the gospel, his former slave locked himself in his house and set it on fire while Patrick stood outside, pleading with him to turn to Christ to no avail.
Despite the opposition, some Druids believed. At the same time, others tried to kill him through poisoning and physical attack. Another time, Patrick was taken prisoner, with the expected outcome being execution, but God was not done with Patrick, and he was released. Patrick once wrote, "As every day arrives, I expect either sudden death or deception, or being taken back as a slave or some such other misfortune. But I fear none of these since I look to the promise of heaven and have flung myself into the hands of the all-powerful God, who rules as Lord everywhere. I am ready and willing to give up my own life, without hesitation, for His name."
Patrick spent the remainder of his life sharing Christ until his death on March 17th. I wonder how many times Patrick felt like throwing in the towel. I wonder if the voices of his critics, "The Druids are too hard to reach," threatened to dissuade him from continuing. I know there have been times in my own life, after praying for years for the salvation of people I love, that I have questioned if they were too hardened to reach. But, I try to keep one verse close to my mind and heart. It's Jeremiah 32:27, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Nothing and no one is too hard for the Lord. May we have the courage to persevere and be faithful to share God's Word — no matter the cost.
Let's Pray:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the life of Patrick. Thank you for giving him the courage to reach Ireland and allowing us to know his story. I pray that you will help us be courageous enough to share the gospel with our family members, friends, neighbors, and community so they can find the hope and future that we have in you. Lord, I ask that you would help us not only be willing to die for you but also to live every moment we have for you. We know that this life is meaningless without you. And through you, all things are possible. Please help us to be strong and courageous, knowing that with you, we are the majority. We love you. May our lives be a reflection of you and your goodness. Amen.
Christine is just a lady who was given the gift of being raised in an incredible family. For reasons unknown to her, God has blessed her with an amazing life full of beautiful friendships, remarkable experiences, and a love from Him that is completely underserved. She desires to encourage others and share hope as we journey through the highs and lows of life. Christine is the author of How I Met Peace and For the Weary Life Traveler, a 31-day devotional. Check out more of Christine's work at her website: Learning to be fearless and her Patreon.
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Originally published Monday, 17 March 2025.
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