The Time You Are Given

Darkness surrounds the Fellowship as they wander through the underground passages of ancient evil. "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened," Frodo anguishes.
Gandalf, the wise wizard, responds, "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to you."

Frustration surrounds, problems threaten, and life is joyless. It happens to everyone, to some people more than others. As the song goes, "I never promised you a rose garden."

As each generation of this world has passed through, they have had to decide what to do with the time that was given to them. Some chose well, others not so much. But it was theirs to decide to do with as they would.

Not even God's chosen ones were issued a life of ease. Noah faced the loss of all civilization, Abraham faced battles, bandits, and childlessness. Moses had to deal with facing off the leader of the world and then leading a thankless people. David faced giants, conspiracy, and a coups de tat. Of course there is the very Son of God, who faced mocking disbelief, torture, and death. Jesus even promised that we will have a difficult time: "In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33

As the fighting continues, part of the Fellowship is lost, killed, destroyed. They certainly face trouble in their world. Frodo holds the ring that must be returned to the fire from whence it came. Tears flow down his cheeks as Frodo makes his decision: he will return the ring to Moldor.

Climbing into the rowboat, Frodo sets his face toward certain hardship and most likely death. He is alone, but determined to make the right decision.

Suddenly, Sam bursts onto the shore and follows Frodo into the water. Though he cannot swim, Sam trudges through the deepening water to be with Frodo. Frodo keeps Sam from drowning, and Sam assures Frodo that he does not make this journey alone.

Jesus gives us the same assurance, "And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Have you decided what to do with the time that you have been given?