Columbus' Testimony

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One of the reasons I've not posted any big in-depth posts around here lately, has been because I knew I had at least two important posts to write (1. a devotional post for Not An Average Girl, and the other, the second part or sequel for Lady Jane Grey's life post), and I have felt compelled to write them before any other thing.  But such posts can take time and much thought to write, and sometimes they need special inspiration. And sadly inspiration has been rather lax with me for the last couple of days weeks. Lord willing, I will write out those posts, but I can't promise when.... (it shouldn't be too long. hopefully.) But until I do, I don't think it is fair for my dear viewers to be deprived from interesting posts! Honestly, I've had  dozens of posting ideas the last couple of days, but felt so handicapped by that thought of having to write those two posts. So, I've decided just to forget about them for now, and get to them when I have more inspiration. What do you all think about that? (Hannah, that doesn't mean that I won't be posting on Not An Average Girl soon, just I won't be posting soon the thing i had earlier had in mind...)

For the last few weeks since entering this new school year, my central focus has been on Maths... (and I think if you've been reading my blog for a while now, you'd know it isn't my favourite subject!). Well, it has been going well, but honestly I was a bit tired of studying formulas all day long every day of the week... so I decided this week I'd concentrate a bit more on English and History, my favourite subjects. Yesterday (and today, while doing History), my schoolwork was so. much. fun! I'm currently studying about the Age of Exploration in World History, and it is fascinating.

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I came across a section in my PACE about Christopher Columbus and his Christian faith, which I thought might be really interesting to share. I haven't studied much into this period with Columbus' exploration and discovery of the New World,  (before doing this section in my history course, I had the idea that Columbus was the first one who truly discovered America, but now I know better!) so it was interesting to read this about Columbus. 

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Section taken from my PACE, out of the World History Course, ACE curriculum:

"...[Christopher Columbus] definitely held a firm belief in God and depended on Him all through his life. His name, "Christopher," means "Christbearer." It is said that one day as a small boy praying in church, he vowed that he would live up to that name and be a "Christbearer" He became convinced that every Christian could and should "bear" the teaching of Christ wherever he went. As he grew to manhood, Columbus came to believe that he had been chosen by God to spread the Gospel to other lands... He believed that the Holy Spirit helped him understand the Bible, navigation, and geography so that he could fulfill his personal destiny..."

The PACE goes on to speak of Columbus' scientific and geographic understanding, being based on God's Word, especially Isaiah 40:22. He wrote a book entitled Libro de las Profecias (The Book of Prophecies) that told his views about Biblical teachings on geography, people of other lands, and prophecies of the Book of Revelation. 

"Throughout his voyages, Columbus made constant references to the Lord. He opened his journal of his first voyage with the words, "In the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ..." He led his crew in singing hymns of praise to God when they first sighted the landmass of America. He named that first land "San Salvador" which means "Holy Saviour." In his official reports back to Spain, Columbus expressed great concern that the Indians be won to the Christian faith, but he was adamant that he alone be allowed to handpick the men who would be sent out as missionaries. Certainly Christopher Columbus was a God-fearing man trying to be of service to his Lord; but perhaps the best statement of his Christianity is his own testimony:

"I am a most unworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely. I have found the sweetest consolation since I made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvelous presence. For the execution of the journey to the Indies I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics, or maps. It is simply the fulfillment of what Isaiah had prophesied. All this is what I desire to write down for you in this book.  No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service. The working out of all things has been assigned to each person by our Lord, but it all happens according to His sovereign will, even though He gives advice. He lacks nothing that it is in the power of men to give Him. Oh what a gracious Lord, who desires that people should perform for Him those things for which He holds Himself responsible! Day and night, moment by moment, everyone should express to Him their most devoted gratitude."

I think this was very encouraging to read, and it actually blessed me a lot while studying! Does anyone know anything more about Christopher Columbus' faith?