"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole full of worms and oozy smells. This was a hobbit-hole and that means good food, a warm hearth, and all the comforts of home." -Older Bilbo, The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey
Many of us have heard the story of the hobbit named Bilbo who lived a comfortable life in his home under the hill in the beautiful Shire. Nothing out of the ordinary happened to him. Nothing strange or dangerous really ever happened to anyone in the Shire. It was peaceful and tranquil. However, one fateful day that all changed for Mr. Baggins when a wizard named Gandalf the Grey came calling and presented Bilbo with the opportunity of a lifetime. Gandalf presented Bilbo with the chance to leave the Shire and go on a great adventure to vanquish a dragon and help the dwarves of Erebor reclaim their homeland. At first, Bilbo is determined that he will have no part at all in this quest. He has a whole list of reasons as to why he cannot and will not even consider Gandalf's invitation. In the end, we all know that he signs the contract and joins the Company of Thorin Oakneshield, and does, in fact, embark on the journey. The rest of the story, as they say, is history...or in Bilbo's case...legend.
I love the story of The Hobbit because it's a really great example of our lives. Like the Hobbits of the Shire, we have a rhythm to our day to day lives, a routine if you will. One that when everything is going smoothly, tends to happen without us really even thinking about it. We become comfortable in our routine, it's familiar, "normal", it makes us feel safe. But, when the trial comes knocking (or in some cases kicks in the door) we're presented with the opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and embark on a journey. Keep in mind, just like the journey/quest of The Company of Thorin Oakenshield would have happened with or without Bilbo Baggins, the journey we're presented with will continue with or without us.
Let me clarify, the trials and hard times in our lives will come there is no doubting that. We, however, are faced with the choice of HOW we handle them when they do. Do we roll over and check out? Give God a list of reasons as to why we can't/won't join the quest and curl up into a ball or bury our heads in the sand 'til it passes? OR do we sign the contract, join the company, and embark on a great quest? Don't get me wrong, its a daunting decision and in no way is it easy to make. Like Bilbo we don't know what we will face, what monsters or lands we will encounter on our journey.
Gandalf called on Bilbo because he knew that he would be a perfect addition to the company and he would be one of the only ones who could be the burglar. He also saw the qualities and potential in the small Hobbit that the Hobbit himself didn't see. God is that way, he can see our potential, he knows what we're capable of even better than we do ourselves. He purposefully calls on us to do things that we ourselves couldn't do, because he wants us to put our trust in him and rely on his strength and his power. God can do great things through us....if we make the decision to step out and trust him.
Final thoughts: The journeys we embark on in life will vary from a nice easy stroll through the Shires of our lives to the treacherous treks through Mordor that feel as if they'll never end. And no matter what the journey we're on, we'll always come out on the other side different than we were when we started. But if we allow God to work through the journey and let him use it/use us, it will always be a change for the better (may not always feel like it at first....just sayin). I know its hard when the journey seems long and unending. But even in the midst of the trial there are moments of respite.
An image that comes to mind is the Fellowship of the Ring, as they journeyed along on their quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, they still had moments along their expedition where they laughed and enjoyed each other's fellowship. And with both the quest to reclaim the dwarves homeland of Erebor and the quest to destroy the One Ring, both companies saw new lands and learned things about themselves and the world they lived in and had experiences they never would have had if they'd stayed where it was safe. And because they stepped out of their comfort zones and went on their adventures, Middle Earth was saved.
What adventures is God calling you to? Will you sign the contract and join the company?
Check out the story of Joseph in Genesis. He's a great example of someone who was taken out of his comfort zone. Because he said yes to being used by God, even in the midst of terrible hardship, God used him to save the entire nation of Egypt AND his own family.
Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
Genesis 50:20 (The Message)
"I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:19-24 (NIV)
28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
Romans 8:28 (AMP)
Consider it nothing but joy, my [b]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 (AMP)
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