A QUESTION THAT ECHOES THROUGH TIME - WHY DID GOD CREATE ME?

Dear Members in Christ,

A Question That Echoes Through Time - Why did God create me?

“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7

Recently I was asked, “Why did God create me?”

I was not really surprised, as many do ask similar question. In fact, in my early years of life, before I became a Christian, I wrestled with this same question. Moving forward, this question would not go away sooner but will continue to linger in the minds of many when confronted with issues and challenges of life. In a world filled with turmoil, confusion, and shifting moral standards, it’s no surprise that many still search for meaning and purpose. 

This question, however, cannot be answered through logic, science, or emotion. The answer is found only in the Word of God—and must be received with the faith of a child (cf. Matthew 18:3). It is through humility and trust that we can begin to understand God's purpose for our lives. This way your opinions and misconceptions do not get in the way of receiving the Word of God wholeheartedly.

Created in His Image

The Bible tells us that “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1. This was day one of creation. On the sixth day “… God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27). From this divine act came life. Humanity was commanded to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion over His creation (Genesis 1:28). The Earth now holds over 8 billion people, each one known and purposed by God.

Today, each one of us is born by the union of our respective earthly father and mother. King David wrote in Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” From Adam, we inherited a sinful nature. We are not born righteous. But God, in His mercy, offers redemption through His Son. His desire is not simply that we exist, but that we live in relationship with Him and reflect His glory.

Why Am I, Me?

Many wonder: Why was I not born someone else? Why this life, this body, this background?

Isaiah 64:8 answers “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” This is God’s sovereign will. God chose us to be born into this world. You are not an accident. God sovereignly ordained your birth, your family, your personality, and your circumstances. He is the Potter. You are the clay. Apostle Paul affirms this truth: “Hath not the potter power over the clay…?” Romans 9:21.

We are all born different and live different lives

Each of us are different and have different character and personality. The Bible also confirms the DNA that we inherit from our parents “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16. Thus, we are all different in character and personality in many ways which are further compounded by the culture, the eco-system we live in and educational background.

Each one of us has different lives to live and each has his/her own blessings from God. Though some lives may seem more blessed than others, God’s plans are always wise and perfect—even when they do not make immediate sense to us. Comparison leads to discontentment, but faith leads to peace.

In Romans 9:21-23, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a potter and clay to illustrate God’s sovereignty and His right to choose whom He will show mercy and whom He will show wrath. The passage asks: does not the potter has the right to shape one vessel for honour and another for dishonour from the same lump of clay? This is God’s absolute sovereignty. God is free to do what He wills. He can choose to show mercy to some and not to others, and that He has the right to do so, just as a potter can make a vessel for any purpose. God decides, though it seem unfair to human understanding. 

So do not compare your life with others. God knows what is best for each one of us. If He can provide and take care of the fowls of the air and lilies of the field, what more for us as we are His children (cf. Matthew 6:26-30). Let us have greater faith in Him and surely the things of the world will grow dim. Romans 8:28 comforts us with “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

What is the Purpose of My Life?

The universe that we know today, do not exist through the process of evolution but through the creative power of the Almighty God (cf. Genesis 1-2). This creation was not a matter of necessity for God, nor because He lacked anything, but to display His power, wisdom, and goodness (cf. Romans 11:36).

The question is asked: What is the chief end of man? According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism Q1, the answer is “to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”  

The Westminster Confession of Faith defines “God’s glory” as the ultimate purpose and end of everything, from God’s eternal decrees to human actions. It emphasizes that all things exist and occur, including our lives and all that happens within them, according to God’s plan and counsel, all ultimately directed towards His glory. This means that every aspect of reality, from the smallest detail to the grandest events, is designed and orchestrated by God, and everything should ultimately lead to the praise and honour of Him and that our lives should be a reflection of His character and purpose. Living for God’s glory involves aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His will, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all good and blessedness. To glorify God is to reflect His character and live lives that honour Him in all things:

To enjoy God is to know that God is sovereign. It is to seek Him and realize that He is the only one who can truly satisfy our hearts, gives real joy, peace and true rest for our soul. The enjoyment of God and God alone, in fact, sets our sight outside of ourselves. It is to delight not merely in His gifts, but in who He is. Whether enjoying a sunset, a meal, or a moment of peace, we are meant to turn our hearts to God who is behind it all. We live and appreciate that God has created all things for us to enjoy and rejoice.

Conclusion:

We are created not by accident or afterthought, but intentionally to reflect God’s greatness and fulfil His divine purpose. He created us for Himself.

Let us reflect on Him and enjoy Him forever. Let us live lives that are holy and pleasing unto Him and not bring shame to Him but live as vessels of honour. Let this truth change how we see our life.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11   

In Christ,

Eld. Choe Tong Seng