The Lord of the Rings: Sovereignty Over All Things - Reformed (Romans 8:28)

In The Lord of the Rings, there’s a pivotal moment when Gandalf, the wise wizard, assures Frodo that Bilbo found the Ring not by mere chance, but by divine providence. Imagine standing in the lush, green hills of the Shire, with the scent of blooming flowers filling the air. Frodo, burdened with fear and uncertainty, is grappling with the immense weight of a destiny he never sought. Gandalf's words resonate deeply: "Bilbo was meant to find it."

In our lives, we often walk paths that seem tangled and unclear, much like Frodo trekking through the dark forests of Mirkwood. We encounter moments of suffering, heartache, and confusion, and it can feel like chaos reigns. Yet Romans 8:28 reminds us that "all things work together for good for those who love God." This isn't just a comforting platitude; it is a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty. God isn't merely reacting to our struggles; He is sovereignly orchestrating every event, even those that appear tragic or senseless to us.

Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis, who, after being betrayed by his brothers, cast into a pit, and sold into slavery, couldn’t see how God was weaving a tapestry of redemption through his suffering. Years later, he would stand before those same brothers, declaring, “What you intended for evil, God intended for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Like Frodo and Joseph, we may not grasp the grand design of our lives. Yet, we are called to trust in a sovereign God who is at work in every circumstance, redeeming pain and weaving purpose through our trials. As we navigate our own dark forests, may we lean into that trust, knowing that His decree is unbreakable, and His promise to glorify the called is sure. Let us hold tightly to the hope that God is always, in every moment, working for our good.