Do not fear the Gollums — Pray!

TODAY’S PROVERB: Adonai works everything out for his own purpose—even the wicked for a day of disaster. Proverbs 16:4

You might be questioning my rationale for using a movie photo from Lord of the Rings–The Return of the King (2003). There’s a story about this, of course. And I hope you’ll read this blog through so it will make sense.

At the time of The Return of the King‘s release, we were going through a challenging season with a dear family member. This person was making dangerous choices with friends and associates. It didn’t take much discernment to see that following this path would result in a sad, dark future.

The more we spoke against these people in their life, the more it drove them closer.

In the The Lord of the Rings movies, the Hobbit Frodo was responsible for taking the evil ring to Mordor to destroy it. His best friend, Sam accompanies Frodo on this dangerous journey. Along the way, Frodo forms an alliance with the creature Gollum. Of the three, only Gollum knows the way to Mordor, but Gollum wants the ring for himself.

Sam argues with Frodo that this is a bad idea. It’s clear to Sam that Gollum will turn on them and take back the ring.

Frodo knows there is no way he and Sam could make their way of their own. And he sees good in Gollum. He hopes it’s enough good that Gollum could be saved.

For Sam, everything he sees in Gollum only proves to him that Gollum will eventually give in to his desire for the ring and all would be lost.

There is this moment in the movie where Sam pleads with Frodo to break the alliance and says, “Can’t you see, he’s a villain.”

Like Sam, we wondered how this family member could associate with people of such nefarious intent. We did everything from fasting, to nightly prayer vigils, to begging this person to leave this way of life. I could identify with the desperate pleas of Sam. Wanting to leave the frustrating situation, but not wanting to leave our loved one.

While watching the movie in the theater, I suddenly realized that Gollum did have a purpose in Frodo’s mission. The dangerous journey, Gollum’s betrayal, and his attempt to kill Frodo and Sam, all served a role in the destruction of the evil ring. Without Gollum Frodo and Sam would have failed.

It was no coincidence that I came across this Proverb a few days later. Seeing it played out in the theater was such a revelation and comfort. A reminder that our Heavenly Father sees all, knows all — and knows how it all comes out.

There are no “whoops” and “uh ohs” with God. He wasn’t surprised by our loved one’s poor decisions. He knew how it would all play out. Even the people with evil and wicked intents had a purpose.

So, those Gollums in our life and the lives of those we love, God knows about. They may even play a role in the answer to our prayers. In any case, our Father has promised that everything will work out according to His plan.

May we not be afraid of the Gollums of life, my friends.

Proverbs 16:4, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs