You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength

In the words of J. R. R. Tolkien, master of myth and maker of worlds, we are given a command that rings through ages both imagined and real: “You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.” This is no idle encouragement, but the declaration of a destiny. To be chosen is to bear a weight that cannot be set aside. To answer it requires not the gifts of others, but the faithful use of one’s own—whatever measure of strength, heart, and wits has been given by providence.

The origin of these words lies in the very fabric of Tolkien’s legendarium, where small and seemingly insignificant beings are often tasked with great burdens. The hobbits of the Shire—creatures overlooked by kings and warriors—are entrusted with the fate of the world. They cannot wield the might of armies nor the wisdom of sages, yet they are called. Thus, Tolkien speaks not only to his characters, but to all humankind: destiny does not always choose the mighty, but those willing to give all they have, however humble.

The ancients knew this truth. Consider David, the shepherd boy, standing before Goliath. He was not clad in armor, nor trained in the arts of war. He had no sword, no shield, no battalion at his side. Yet he had courage, faith, and the wits to wield a sling. With these he prevailed, for he used what he had been given. David’s story is the very echo of Tolkien’s teaching: the chosen are not asked to bring what they do not possess, but to pour forth all that is already within them.

History too gives witness to this law. When Joan of Arc rose to lead France, she was but a peasant girl, untrained in statecraft or battle. Yet she heard the call, and she brought to the field her unshakable faith, her burning heart, and her simple but profound courage. With these she inspired armies and altered the course of nations. She did not wait until she had the power of kings; she offered the power she already bore, and it was enough. This is the meaning of Tolkien’s words: that to be chosen is not to be fully equipped, but to trust that what you have is sufficient.

The teaching also carries a warning. Many, when called, protest that they are too weak, too ignorant, too broken to answer. They compare themselves to others and despair. But the truth is this: destiny requires only your portion. To waste time in wishing for another’s gifts is to betray your calling. Use your strength, however little. Pour out your heart, however wounded. Apply your wits, however modest. For in the union of these, miracles are born, and the chosen task is fulfilled.

The lesson for us is clear: do not flee when life calls you. You may be chosen to lead, to comfort, to create, to endure. Whatever the task, do not shrink back because you think yourself too small. Remember that all who have ever done great things began in smallness. Greatness is not in possessing more than others, but in offering all of yourself without reservation. Strength, heart, and wits—these three are given to all, and they are enough when poured out with courage.

Practically, this means acting faithfully with what lies in your hands today. If you have words, speak them for truth. If you have compassion, give it freely. If you have cleverness, use it to solve what others ignore. Do not wait for perfect conditions or greater powers; begin now, with what you have, where you are. In this way, you honor the calling that has chosen you, and you become, like Tolkien’s hobbits, a vessel for a destiny larger than yourself.

So let us remember Tolkien’s wisdom: you have been chosen. This is both burden and blessing. Do not scorn your portion, nor measure it against others, but wield it with all your might. For the strength of armies, the wisdom of sages, and the fire of heroes are all found in this simple truth—that when one is chosen, and dares to use all that they have, the world itself is changed.