Patrick must decide whose voice to hear. The voice of God telling him to return to Ireland where he will work with those who have not heard about Christ. Or the voice of those who do not wish him to go.
Ephesian 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Patrick’s words:
On the other hand, I did not proceed to Hibernia of my own accord until I was almost giving up, but through this I was corrected by the Lord, and he prepared me so that today I should be what was once far from me, in order that I should have the care of– or rather, I should be concerned for– the salvation of others, when at that time, still, I was only concerned for myself.
Therefore, on that day when I was rebuked, as I have just mentioned, I saw in a vision of the night a document before my face, without honour, and meanwhile I heard a divine prophecy, saying to me:
“We have seen with displeasure the face of the chosen one divested of name.” And he did not say “You have seen with displeasure”, but “We have seen with displeasure” (as if He included Himself) .
He said then: “He who touches you, touches the apple of my eye.” For that reason, I give thanks to him who strengthened me in all things, so that I should not be hindered in my setting out and also in my work which I was taught by Christ my Lord; but more, from that state of affairs I felt, within me, no little courage, and vindicated my faith before God and man.
Hence, therefore, I say boldly that my conscience is clear now and hereafter. God is my witness that I have not lied in these words to you.
Patrick decides to listen to God’s voice. My favorite line in the write up of Patrick’s vision.
“He who touches you, touches the apple of my eye.”
This was Patrick’s vision, but I think it is true for all who love the Lord and who decide to follow the path God has laid out for them.
Fourth Day Adventures 