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LET ME DIE IN IRELAND  /  Chapter 14: Ireland at Last  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 1
Patrick tells Loman, “All I know is that my life is in God’s hands,” and later says he’s certain God “won’t allow me to be killed or enslaved until His mission through me is accomplished.” What picture of God’s sovereignty and personal calling is operating in Patrick’s mind, and what would it change about how we interpret danger, “closed doors,” and suffering?
Another way to ask: What does Patrick believe about God being in control and giving him a purpose? How would that change how we see danger, “closed doors,” and suffering?

Direct Answer Patrick believes God is personally ruling over the timing and limits of his suffering, so danger does not automatically mean “God is against this.” In his mind, hardship can be part of God’s mission, and death or captivity can’t come until God’s assigned work is finished.

Support from Transcript:

  • Patrick says, “All I know is that my life is in God’s hands.”
  • He “firmly” believes God “won’t allow me to be killed or enslaved until His mission through me is accomplished.”
  • When Loman fears immediate death, Patrick answers, “I can't believe God would finally bring us to Ireland only to have us killed the first day.”
  • He treats the king’s threat seriously but still says, “as to whether or not this king will hear us, that's in God's hands.”
  • To Lowetha he declares, “I came to Ireland to die,” yet believes “the king I serve will not let… anyone else harm me until the work… has been finished.”
Discussion Follow-ups If God’s sovereignty includes the “when” of suffering, how should we interpret setbacks—are they always closed doors, or sometimes the path of obedience?

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