with God’s strength to pilot my course,
with God’s power to uphold me,
with God’s wisdom to guide me..."
In his confession, Patrick describes himself thus:
"I, Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many..."
"...today I feel ashamed and I am mightily afraid to expose my ignorance, because, [I am not] eloquent, with a small vocabulary..."
But he didn't allow that to keep him from doing that to which God had called him:
"Therefore be amazed, you great and small who fear God, and you men of God, eloquent speakers, listen and contemplate. Who was it summoned me, a fool, from the midst of those who appear wise and learned in the law and powerful in rhetoric and in all things? Me, truly wretched in this world, he inspired before others that I could be-- if I would-- such a one who, with fear and reverence, and faithfully, without complaint, would come to the people to whom the love of Christ brought me and gave me in my lifetime, if I should be worthy, to serve them truly and with humility."
This is a great example of what Paul wrote: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."(1 Cor. 1:27)
I don't know about you, but this gives me great hope! I am often astounded at my own foolishness. Yet I have seen God do amazing things in me and through me -- things that are so far outside of my own abilities that I can only attribute them to Him.
Always remember that, if we are seeking God, no matter our level of learning or worldly wisdom, His wisdom will guide us.
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