I wasn’t looking for Margaret Wilson’s story when I found it. I was simply walking through an old graveyard when her memorial caught my eye. My husband and I were in the beautiful town of Stirling, Scotland. We had just walked through the Church of the Holy Rude, where a 13-month old King James—who would one day commission the KJV Bible translation—was coronated in 1567. Overwhelmed with that touch-point in history, I finished meandering through the church then headed outdoors to explore the poignant graveyard beside it. Walking amongst the tombstones, I came upon a curious glass encased monument containing large white marble figurines. An angel stood over a young woman as she held a young girl. In the midst of countless memories and graves, something about this scene gave me pause. The memorial inscription was vague but intrigued me to learn the story of a remarkable young woman. I had no idea that my brief moment of curiosity would lead me to the unforgettable faith of a teenager who lived, suffered, and died with unshakable conviction in King Jesus. (You can listen to a podcast about Margaret HERE.)
The Convenanters’ Sacrifice
Margaret Wilson’s story is one of steadfast courage. Born in Scotland in 1667, she lived during the reign of King Charles II, a time when believers who refused to conform to the king’s imposed church laws were labeled as rebels. In those days, such branded them for death. These “Covenanters,” as they were called, believed in the absolute authority of Christ over the church, rejecting government interference in matters of faith. Margaret and her family were amongst them. Margaret grew up hearing the Scriptures, worshiping in secret meetings, and witnessing the brutal persecution of those who remained faithful to Christ.
By the time Margaret was eighteen, worshipping Jesus as the supreme king became even more dangerous. Margaret, along with her younger sister Agnes, fled their home to escape the growing oppression, worshipping with their brother amidst forests and trees. Eventually, Margaret, Agnes and their older friend, Margaret McLachlan, were captured and imprisoned in Wigtown for their unwavering commitment to Jesus. They were sentenced to death by drowning—the punishment for refusing to renounce their faith.
No Mercy for Margaret
Margaret’s father did all he could to rescue his daughters, even going to the Privy Council in Edinburgh to petition for clemency. Along the way, he sold everything he had to raise money for bail. However, he could secure the release of only one of his two daughters. He brought 13-year old Agnes home, but he was unable to rescue his 18-year old Margaret from her cruel fate. She was destined for execution with 63-year old Margaret McLachlan.
On May 11, 1685, the two women were taken to the Solway Firth, a coastal area where the tide would soon rise. The authorities tied the older Margaret McLachlan farther out in the water so that she would drown first, forcing young Margaret Wilson to watch, hoping the horror of it would break her resolve. However, Margaret stood firm. Witnesses later testified that she recited Psalm 25, a psalm of trust in God. Margaret also recited Romans 8, declaring that nothing could separate her from the love of Christ—not even death.
As the tide kept rolling in, Margaret’s family begged her to just give homage to the king, saying King James VII of Scotland was the supreme ruler, higher than King Jesus. However, even as the waves rose around her, Margaret refused to deny her Savior. Her final words were reported to be, “I am Christ’s. Let me go.” With that, the waters overtook her, and her earthly life ended. She was eighteen years old.
Living a “Foolish” Life for Christ
When I left Stirling, I could not escape the power of Margaret’s story. I told my husband and our traveling companions about what I’d discovered that day. The Christ followers amongst us were impressed by her sacrifice, but the unbeliever in our midst scorned her death. “That was foolish of her to choose to die like that. She could have lived and made a difference in this world,” he said.
The vast difference between the reactions to Margaret’s story fits perfectly with the theme of March MISSION Madness—living lives that seem foolish to the world but are gloriously faithful to Jesus. Margaret embodies our theme verse for the March MISSION Madness series:
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” – 1 Corinthians 1:18
Margaret could have chosen a safer, easier path. She could have recanted and walked away with her life. Instead, she gave herself fully to Christ, believing that His kingdom is worth more than anything this world offers.
In her day, the authorities considered her devotion to King Jesus “foolishness.” Even today, some say she wasted her life. However, I personally now think of Margaret Wilson not as a fool, but as a heroine of the faith. Her courage has inspired believers for centuries, reminding us of wholehearted obedience to Christ, no matter the cost.
One historical account records that after Margaret’s death, someone who had mocked her during her trial later lamented, “We have drowned a saint.” Yes, indeed.
Margaret’s story challenges us. In a world that encourages us to play it safe, blend in, and avoid conflict, she calls us to radical, unwavering, sacrificial faith. She reminds us that following Jesus is not about comfort—it’s about commitment. Indeed, Margaret died reciting Psalm 25 and Romans 8, and I read both of those chapters differently now. I see echoed in Romans 8:18:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Through Margaret’s dying words, she taught us something about faith and suffering that every Christ follower needs to know.
A Challenge to Us Today
I didn’t know Margaret Wilson’s name before I saw her memorial in Stirling. But now, I can’t forget her. Her story calls out across the centuries, asking each of us the same question: Am I willing to suffer for Christ?
Margaret was an ordinary person, just like most of us. She didn’t have power, influence, or great accomplishments in the eyes of the world. But she had something far greater—a faith that held firm in the face of death.
What about us? In our daily lives, are we standing for Jesus with that same courage? Are we willing to live in a way that the world might call foolish because we love Jesus?
Margaret Wilson did not waste her life. She poured it out as a living sacrifice, trusting in the eternal promise of Christ. And because of that, her testimony still speaks today.
May we be inspired by her boldness. May we be willing to stand firm, no matter the cost. And may we, like Margaret, live lives that echo sacrifice for Christ for generations to come.
Be encouraged! ❤️
Tosha
