Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
It was a number of years ago, but there was always a part of me that could identify with what Frodo must have been feeling in this scene from the first movie “The Fellowship of the Ring” from the Lord of the Rings trilogy:
Frodo: “I wish the Ring had never come to me.
I wish none of this had ever happened.”
Gandalf: “So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkein
To a casual observer from afar—as were those of us who saw the movies comprising the Lord of the Rings trilogy—Frodo’s assigned task clearly seemed unfair.
His journey to make sure that the Ring was destroyed of its evil power was fraught with intrigue and life-threatening danger. It was not a venture to find something, but to rid the world of something—something that was both a burden to him and had potentially terrifying consequences to the world.
Undoubtedly his comments to Gandalf could be understood, perhaps even to the point of consideration of a change of assignment. But it wasn’t to be. It was his responsibility to the end—however that end turned out to be—at his young age.
A responsibility he did not seek, nor want, nor shirk, but accepted. Actually as to the responsibility placed upon him, he did more than simply accept it—he embraced it as his cause, as a part of his purpose in life. And as it turned out, it was to be his legacy—leaving a positive world-changing impact.
Not that everything, or anything, for that matter, which comes to us would have such life or world-changing potential as that which came to Frodo. But aren’t there things which come to us which we would rather they not? A storm, an illness, the loss of a job. Aren’t there things which come to us which seem to be too much for us to handle? Which seem to be beyond our ability to comprehend? Someone intrudes on our lives with a need we can’t turn away from, but have no time to deal with.
Often it seems to us that things that come to us would be better handled by someone else—someone with the expertise or the time—to do them justice, but there they sit on our doorstep. Many times, in many situations which come our way, in resignation we simply ask why me, Lord, but perhaps not as politely as that may seem.
But I wonder if you have ever stopped to think whether that which comes to us might just in fact be an opportunity sent by God which indeed could have life or world-changing potential. An opportunity to help someone in need. An opportunity as a teacher, a coach or a parent with a child standing before us, who will be affected by whatever we do with them in the moment which has come to us. A person who may be down to their last try at getting it right in life before they cash in their last breath. A moment to study for an exam just once more, or to take seriously whatever the moment is before you to do the best you can—either of which may ultimately lead to a career where you cure cancer, or bring peace to the nations. Silly you say; but how do you know?
Life is full of moments where things come to us. Things we never expected. Where things inexplicably happen to us—and we wonder why. Or maybe instead of wondering why, we complain or rebel. We wish they never happened and would just simply go away.
A moment of new responsibility that we may not see as a moment of opportunity, until later when we see the full picture which God sees. A moment where we may be called to embrace what is before us, to trust the God of all creation, and see what God will do with whatever it is, with us and through us, and ultimately for good.
“I wish the Ring had never come to me.
I wish none of this had ever happened.”
Me too, Frodo. Many times I have felt that way. We have all felt that way.
But we have also all been amazed at what God has done with those moments when we embraced them for Him and with Him, and watched in amazement as He carried out His purposes for our good, the good of others, and for His glory.
Whatever God sends your way—embrace it for your good, the good of others, and for His glory. You’ll be living out your legacy—the legacy God created you to live and to leave.
In His Name—Scott
Copyright 2013. Scott L. Whitaker. All rights reserved.
