Follow God outside your comfort zone

“Courage is found in unlikely places.” If that quote sounds familiar to you, that’s because it comes from one of the most popular fantasy series of all time—The Lord of the Rings.

Sept. 22 is Hobbit Day, as it’s the shared birthday of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, and whichever week Sept. 22 falls on is honored as Tolkien week. J.R.R. Tolkien was a master storyteller whose imagination heavily influenced modern literature. With The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, he created a vibrant world that continues to inspire generations. His work reflects timeless themes of courage, friendship, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people.

But Tolkien leaned on inspiration to write his masterpiece, and much of that inspiration came from none other than the Bible.

Anyone who’s read or watched installments from the series may recognize biblical themes, but one need not look any further than the short, hungry, and very unlikely heroes to see evidence of God’s inspiration.

Comfort zone

In Tolkien’s writing, Hobbits were unassuming folk known for their peaceful, rural lifestyle and love of simple pleasures. However, despite their desire for comfort and avoidance of the wider world, they were called on to complete a dangerous quest to save the world. By the end of the series, these unassuming homebodies became symbols of quiet strength. The most unlikely heroes indeed.

Similarly, how many times in Scripture does God call on the unlikely to do the good of God? Moses’ difficulties speaking, David’s small, humble disposition, Peter’s headstrong nature, Paul’s persecution of Jesus’ followers—there are endless examples of the unqualified stepping up to the plate, despite feeling or appearing like the least likely candidate.

It makes one wonder… what might God be asking of you, and have you been open to His leading?

God’s will

It’s easy to tell ourselves that we’re not ready. There may be service opportunities, new career paths, or potential relationships that we avoid because we aren’t quite where we feel we need to be. But did God require His children to be perfectly ready, or did he use His callings as opportunities to forge them into who He created them to be? Because with God, it’s not simply a decision between the journey or the destination—it’s both.

Ephesians 2:10 [ESV] says: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God has a plan for you beyond what your earthly mind can imagine.

God works much spiritual growth through the journey. Don’t let your insecurity get in the way of God’s certainty. Don’t let your unpreparedness overshadow God’s provision. And don’t let your fear of the future inhibit God’s careful planning. Be open to the possibilities. Take the leap of faith. Afterall, as Tolkien so thoughtfully put it, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”