The Ministry of St. Patrick

I am fascinated by the evangelist, St. Patrick, who died in Ireland around 461 A.D. on March 17.  Patrick served as a slave in Ireland in his younger years.  He was a shepherd boy with a lot of time on his hands as he was left alone for weeks at a time to tend the sheep.   Patrick had been raised by Christian parents and he began to pray to God, sometimes dozens of times a day, to pass the time.  His prayer life caught God’s attention and Patrick eventually found that the fire of God had been lit within him.  This fire would burn for the rest of his life and led him to become the revivalist of Ireland he is known for today.

After returning to his homeland of Great Britain in his late teens, Patrick found a yearning to return to Ireland as a soul winner welling up within him.  One evening he had a spiritual dream where a man from Ireland pleaded with him to return to Ireland and share the gospel with all who would listen. 

After a few years, Patrick did return to Ireland, even against the urgings of his parent to not do so.  The Druids were a demonic and powerful spiritual force in that land and all attempts to evangelize were met with such resistance that they failed.  But God had a special anointing and warring angels to endue Patrick with a supernatural assistance that Satan couldn’t defeat.  After he returned to Ireland, began preaching at racetracks, sporting events, and anywhere the unbelievers would gather and listen.  Thousands of Irish men and women became converted, and Christianity began to grow across the island.  There was also strong opposition.  Patrick’s driver was murdered with spears.  He faced numerous death threats and beatings.  He was enslaved again for a short season.  The persecution was constant and fierce wherever Patrick went but God was faithful, and His grace was sufficient to see him through the obstacles.  It is said that there were numerous healings and miracles that occurred in Patrick’s ministry and that the nation of Ireland became enflamed with the fires of revival due to God’s mighty work through this man.  Patrick used the three-leafed clover, or “shamrock” as it is called in Ireland to explain the Trinity to the masses.  It is still a common symbol seen to represent St. Patrick’s Day to the present. 

It is sad to see cities, such as Boston, do away with the parades, recognition, and festivities of St. Patrick’s Day.  This is one more confirmation of America’s need for a spiritual awakening of its own.  I hope you will remember the man, St. Patrick, this Sunday and let his life be an inspiration and encouragement to you of what God can do through one individual who seeks God with all their heart.