Patrick faced many trials and challenges throughout the course of His ministry. But he kept his mind on Jesus and drew strength from His Presence and power. Today’s excerpt from Patrick: A Devotional History is found on pages 71 and 72:
“I am indigent and poor,
and even if I ever wanted more
than this, I do not have it. This is how
I estimate myself before Him now;
and daily I expect that I will be
betrayed or killed or put in slavery
again, or something of the kind.
“Patrick was not unrealistic in his expectations. He seems to have been surprised, and a little irritated, about the British bishops’ effort to recall him on spurious charges. But their jealousy and attempt to pull rank was but a temporary concern. His daily expectations were by far more pressing, but through them all, he looked to Jesus and trusted in Him to meet his needs…
“Patrick was able to bear up and persevere under such daily expectations because he held on to greater expectations than these. He looked to Jesus, reigning in glory, to provide for his needs, deliver him from adversaries, and receive him into glory when his earthly life had run its course:
“And yet,
because His Word is sure, I do not let
such things deter or frighten me. For I
have thrown myself upon the Lord Most High,
Who reigns throughout the earth and sky, just as
the prophet says, ‘On Him your burdens cast,
and all your cares; He will sustain you.’
“Expect to see Jesus, exalted in glory. Expect that He will receive you and welcome your prayers. Expect that His grace is sufficient for all your needs, that He will cause His grace to abound to you in every situation, and that He will never fail you nor forsake you. Expect that His Spirit will be at work in you to will and do of His good pleasure. And with such great expectations firmly lodged in your soul, go like Patrick with confidence and joy to do the work appointed to you day by day.”
For reflection or discussion
1. What is involved in your seeing Jesus every day? How could you improve in this?
2. Whom will you encourage today to set their mind on the things that are above, where Christ is, seated in glory?
Every day our minds are filled with important stuff—things to do, meetings to prepare for, work to be done, errands to run, situations to deal with. We’re always thinking, but for most of us, perhaps, we’re not thinking about Jesus as much as we might. Have we, like Paul said, “set” our minds on Christ, so that everything else we think is thought through Him? Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together and encourage one another in setting your mind on Jesus. You can download a free PDF copy of our 30-day devotional, Patrick: A Devotional History, by going to The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
