We need more St. Patrick’s

When we think of St. Patrick, most of us immediately think of wearing green, getting pinched, beer, pubs, green rivers and the luck of the Irish. March 17th is a party day for most that celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But I wonder if that would change if people knew why we were celebrating this man. The truth is, we could use more St. Patrick’s in our day.

Patrick was British born in the mid 300s AD. When he was 16, he was captured by slave traders and taken to Ireland until he escaped 6 years later. While working as a slave, his faith grew stronger and after 6 years, he heard God tell him his ship was ready. Traveling 200 miles, Patrick made it to a harbor and sailed home for Britain. After a few years at home, Patrick had a vision of a man coming from Ireland asking him to come back. In what probably seemed like the stupidest move ever by his friends and family, he obeyed the call and went back to Ireland to minister.

For an estimated 30 years, Patrick ministered to the people of Ireland. He helped establish the monastic orders there, created commerce and literally change the culture of a nation. He took the Gospel to a hostile place and it changed everything. He did this all for a place that had treated him so badly and enslaved him. His calling was greater than his circumstances. We need more leaders like this today that will face ridicule for the sake of impacting the culture. Patrick also serves as a great example that one person can have a huge impact on the world.

So, when you put on your green and celebrate St. Patty’s day, let it inspire you to follow the call of God to change the world, no matter where it takes you.