Warriors Arise: March 14, 2022
1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
I am not sure what you know about Patrick, the one known as St. Patrick. A few years ago I presented his testimony to a group and much of the information comes from the Encyclopedia Britannica. He is celebrated on March 17th, even here in America. But America is not where he made his mark. America is not where he expanded the kingdom of God. Years ago, I studied Patrick. I wanted to know his story, his testimony. He was a boy of English decent. He lived with his parents in a village in England. His father's village was raided by the Irish. At age 16, Patrick was take as a slave. During his slavery, Patrick learned to hear and heed the voice of the Lord. He knew he was not alone. Through all of the misery of being enslaved and taken from his family, he drew near to God.
His heart never lost the hope of returning home to his parents. He never knew how long he would be held captive as a slave. While in Ireland, Patrick served as a herdsman. So many of our heroes from the Bible were headsman at some point : Abraham, Moses, and David, just to name a few. Their lives have been a testimony to people for over 6,000 years. Their lives have strengthened many to find God, hear God and follow God. Exactly what Patrick did.
He wasn't the only one taken that dreadful day, but he is the only one who was sainted by man. I do not believe Patrick was the only one God sought to restore back to their family. However Patrick is the only one we know of who set his face toward God when adversity was kicking him around. He was always on the edge of starvation. But, he couldn't give up. Something within him, Christ in him, gave him hope to believe God would make a way to return him to his family.
How do you respond when you are faced with unexpected adversity? Patrick was 16. He was probably on the verge of courting someone, if he hadn't already started. When he was taken, he had no idea how long he would be in captivity. He had no idea if he would ever see his family again. What kept him alive? What keeps anyone alive who has been in that situation? Hope.
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Patrick had no idea if he would live another day. He was not clothed properly and could have frozen to death, but he didn't. God was with Patrick throughout his captivity. Patrick kept the Word of God active in his life and continued to believe for his freedom. He did not lose hope that God would make a way for him to escape his hard master.
Isaiah 43:15-16 (NKJV)
I am the Lord, your Holy One,
The Creator of Israel, your King.”
16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea
And a path through the mighty waters,
How many times had Patrick reminded himself of this verse? How many prayers did he pray for God to make a way through the mighty waters. There was a mighty ocean separating him from his parents. He could not swim it. How would he ever return to his parents?
Where did his faith come from? Why did he have such hope? He had no clue when his captivity would be over or if he would die from starvation or from the cold. But God was with him. He sought God to restore his soul and renewed his mind so he would not lose hope. He knew the testimonies of David as a shepherd boy and Moses leading the children of Israel out of bondage. We tend to gravitate toward those who have been in similar circumstances. I imagine Patrick reminded himself of the testimonies of the witnesses who had gone before him. Even Joseph was sold by his brothers and served for years as a slave and then imprisoned for something he didn't do. But one day, God took Joseph from the prison to the palace. Patrick's hope was in God and for his "one day".
1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Father, You have shown Yourself to be with me and strength me when I face adversity. I now You hear my cry for help when I call out to You. I know You have not left me. You have never abandoned me. There are times I was so hurt and angry that I turned from You. When I served you, it was such a burden; but You never gave up on me. You called me back to Yourself and strengthened me, so I would be prepared as an overcomer. You restored my soul and my faith grew. I look to You to meet me and guide me. I listen for your voice. I want to be ready to move when You say, "Go, now." You are my God and I will position myself to seek You, hear You and follow You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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