beginnings - Patrick

I wonder what you see when you take a good long look at yourself in the

mirror. There have been many times when I have looked and seen failure etched in every line, shame in the eyes and guilt on the heart. I have looked and spoken negatively to the image before me and have thought that God must have made a huge mistake for ever bothering with the likes of me. The truth is, of course, that when I look into the mirror and see myself standing there, I am looking at a child of God, one who is supremely loved, cared for, someone that Jesus laid down his life for, forgiven and written on his heart!

I think it is good to be aware of ourselves, our weaknesses and failings and then to embrace the healing stream that flows from heaven towards us faster than the speed of light and to stand in it with huge thanksgiving and a resolve to serve him with everything. John Wimber used to say – never follow a leader who doesn’t walk with a limp – and I have discovered that those that I look up to are precisely those kinds of leaders.

Patrick, the Celtic saint, described himself thus: “I Patrick, am a sinner, the most awkward of country bumpkins, the least of all the faithful, and the most contemptible amongst the very many.”

He was born on the north-west coast of Britain and was captured by Irish slave traders. He writes; ‘At the time I was about sixteen years old and I did not know the true God. Along with thousands of other people, I was taken in captivity to Ireland. It was no more than we deserved for we had turned our backs on God and did not keep his laws. So the Lord scattered us among many nations. In Ireland the Lord opened my eyes to my unbelief so that I might at last face up to my wickedness and be converted with all my heart to the Lord my God. He respected my humbling and had mercy on my youth and ignorance. Even before I knew him, he watched over me. Before I was able to tell good from evil, he protected me and comforted me as a father would his son. So I cannot keep quiet – nor should I – about the tremendous blessings and the grace that the Lord poured out on me in the land of my captivity.’

May we be those who are thrilled and excited by the grace of God that we have received and may we not keep silent.