Curious Christian

I was reflecting on the story of Esther this afternoon when I was reminded of Gandalf’s advice to Frodo in The Lord of the Rings. In the biblical story, Esther faced a moment that could cost her life, yet Mordecai reminded her that she may have been placed “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Her courage wasn’t about fearlessness or strength, but about stepping forward faithfully in the circumstances God had given her. 

This is when Gandalf’s words to Frodo came to mind: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Frodo was small, uncertain, and afraid, yet he took the first steps of his impossible journey. Both stories show that courage is rarely dramatic or spectacular. True heroism is measured not by power or recognition, but by faithful obedience and the willingness to act in the moment God places before us.

Thinking with Esther and Frodo together invites a re-evaluation of heroism. It is not the grand gestures or dramatic victories that shape the story, but the daily, faithful choices to act in love and courage. In those moments, God is at work, and even our smallest acts of obedience can participate in a story far larger than ourselves.