Devotion Archive

Week of March 15, 2010

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7

Do you like a good story?

There was once a young man from Britain who was born to wealthy, Christian parents.  While he was growing up, however, the government in control, Rome, began to lose control.  This allowed warriors from the nearby island of Ireland to invade Britain and take many people as slaves.  This young man, only 16 years old, was one of them.

While in slavery, he did not abandon his Christian faith.  Instead, meditating upon God’s Word, it allowed him to have extraordinary hope even in the midst of slavery.

Eventually he was released and returned to his home in Britain.  But the Word of God did something else extraordinary in his life.  It compelled him to return to Ireland to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the very same people who had kidnapped him and made him a slave.  And that Word of God had extraordinary results: it worked in the hearts of warriors and kidnappers to create faith in Jesus Christ, so that island of Ireland became predominately Christian.

You have probably figured out who the man in the story is by now.  His name was Patrick.  He died on March 17, 461 A.D.  This day, St. Patrick’s Day, is named after him.

What can we learn from his example?  That God can do incredible things for us and through us, especially in difficult situations.  That God’s Word is so powerful that it can be preached by an ex-slave to an island full of hardened warriors and melt hearts.  It is so powerful that it can sustain your heart in the darkest of times and touch the hearts of those around you through you.  Just like that guy named Patrick.

You and I might never have a day named after us.  But we, too, have the chance to leave a lasting legacy of faith.  Could God use you to share his Word with a neighbor or nephew, a sibling or grandchild, that has lasting results long after you leave this earth?  Of course.  Dig into the Word.  Let it fill your heart with hope.  Then share that hope with someone else who needs it.  Just think what God might do! 

Continuing the legacy of the Christian faith with you,

Pastor Jon Bergemann

Weekly Devotions are taken from Trinity's“Screenside Chat”, a weekly email devotion and newsletter from Pastor Bergemann designed to give you a spiritual boost from your Savior while keeping you connected to your Trinity family. 

Contact Pastor Jon Bergemann if you are interested in knowing more about Trinity Lutheran Church.

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