Unconquered
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psalm 119:67) There is a poem by William Henley which greatly inspired former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Nelson Mandela. The poem is entitled Invictus , which is Latin for unconquered. The author was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the bone at age 12, and at 25, had his leg amputated below the knee in order to save his life. Despite his disability, he went on to complete his education at Oxford, and became a poet, editor, and critic. A popular movie dramatizes the story of Nelson Mandela and takes as its title the name of this poem. Nelson Mandela's story is very inspiring. It illustrates a principle that is basic to all who would seek excellency in Christ. The principle is that of affliction, and its work in molding man's character. We find that this principle was clearly at work in the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Paul, and coun