God can take the pain inflicted on us and turn it into something redemptive, good, and beautiful. He did this for St. Patrick, who was stolen from his family and sold into slavery as a boy. I can now say, almost ten years after my stage 4 cancer diagnosis, that I am grateful—not for the cancer itself, but for the ways God healed me through it.
When we face the worst, people sometimes flippantly quote Romans 8:28. It can feel like walking by a shooting victim and tossing a band-aid on a gaping wound. Yet God gently worked within me during my cancer journey, and I cherish that work even now.
28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
Romans 8:28
From the “Confession of St. Patrick”
Humbled and Lifted
Having Irish roots, I enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but this year, I paused to read a translation of St. Patrick’s Confession. Written roughly 1,500 years ago, it revealed a life transformed by God’s redemptive thread, running through even the darkest times.
I still celebrated with corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, soda bread, and a parade, but the deeper meditation was on how God takes humility, trials, and suffering—and turns them into good.
He Wasn’t Irish
Patrick, originally named Maewyn Succat, grew up in Britain near the end of the Roman occupation. At 16, Irish marauders kidnapped him and sold him as a slave. He worked as a shepherd for an Irish chieftain. In that slavery, God taught Patrick to trust Him, to rely on His provision, and to grow spiritually—even in hardship. Patrick’s suffering became his school; his faith was forged in the fires of trial.
The University of Slavery
Extraordinary miracles often come when God changes us in the midst of heartbreaking circumstances. Patrick’s slavery revealed God’s heart for him, prepared him for his calling, and set the foundation for him to transform Ireland.
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3
Simultaneous Slavery and Sainthood
If asked to name a saint, Patrick would likely be among the top names—even for non-Catholics. God set him apart while he was still a slave. His humility and surrender allowed God to work in and through him. We may not all be famous, but when we turn our hearts to God in difficult times, He can meet us where we are, walk us out of our trials, and use everything for our good.
God’s redemptive thread runs through your life too. Trials, pain, and hardships are opportunities for Him to show His power, provision, and love. Like Patrick, we can trust Him in the impossible and see His beauty emerge from our ashes.
