Patrick's Day Misunderstood
Behind the silliness and sacrilege of many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations stands an inspirational Christian leader. Here’s three ways Patrick still impacts God’s people today.
God uses people who feel misunderstood for His purposes.
Patrick seems like one of the most misunderstood figures in history. Given the number of people to cut out early from work or school to consume green beer, it seems like Americans think Patrick is the Irish patron saint of partying. Even some of the most basic facts about Patrick are misunderstood. It’s amazing how many people think Patrick was Irish (he was from Scotland). Despite of being so misunderstood, Patrick is still inspiring Christians.
If you’re a Christ follower in America or Austria or Australia, …show more content…
I wonder if people who frequented the temple referred to him as that crazy old man who says God told him that he would see “the Lord’s Christ.” Maybe they even misunderstood Simeon after he blessed the baby Jesus as the Messiah. It doesn’t matter what others thought. God still uses Simeon’s story today for His purposes.
God can redeem even the most difficult experiences in life.
As a youth Patrick was abducted from Scotland by Irish raiders. So Patrick spent a number of his formative years in Ireland. Patrick escaped Ireland by stowing away on a ship. He then spent time in a monastery or Christian community.
We all have experienced difficult and painful seasons of life. Those seasons still affect us today to varying degrees. If you’re like me, you’ve asked God why you had to endure such seasons. Another question is just as valid: Lord, how are you going to use those experiences to bless others in the future?
God answered that question for Patrick when Patrick was asked to join a missionary team to Ireland. Patrick understood the local culture and customs. He had heard the local language. So God used Patrick’s painful trial to extend His mission to a new land. Patrick’s experience echoes Joseph who told his brothers who sold him into slavery, “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Genesis
God uses people who feel misunderstood for His purposes.
Patrick seems like one of the most misunderstood figures in history. Given the number of people to cut out early from work or school to consume green beer, it seems like Americans think Patrick is the Irish patron saint of partying. Even some of the most basic facts about Patrick are misunderstood. It’s amazing how many people think Patrick was Irish (he was from Scotland). Despite of being so misunderstood, Patrick is still inspiring Christians.
If you’re a Christ follower in America or Austria or Australia, …show more content…
I wonder if people who frequented the temple referred to him as that crazy old man who says God told him that he would see “the Lord’s Christ.” Maybe they even misunderstood Simeon after he blessed the baby Jesus as the Messiah. It doesn’t matter what others thought. God still uses Simeon’s story today for His purposes.
God can redeem even the most difficult experiences in life.
As a youth Patrick was abducted from Scotland by Irish raiders. So Patrick spent a number of his formative years in Ireland. Patrick escaped Ireland by stowing away on a ship. He then spent time in a monastery or Christian community.
We all have experienced difficult and painful seasons of life. Those seasons still affect us today to varying degrees. If you’re like me, you’ve asked God why you had to endure such seasons. Another question is just as valid: Lord, how are you going to use those experiences to bless others in the future?
God answered that question for Patrick when Patrick was asked to join a missionary team to Ireland. Patrick understood the local culture and customs. He had heard the local language. So God used Patrick’s painful trial to extend His mission to a new land. Patrick’s experience echoes Joseph who told his brothers who sold him into slavery, “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Genesis