Created on Purpose
“God created us on purpose for a purpose.”
I don’t remember the first time I heard that said, but when Kelly started off her message last Sunday with these words I was reminded of the power that the statement holds. If you pause and think about it, these words mean two key things: God created us intentionally and our lives have meaning.
What does this mean?
Let’s start with the first thing – we are each created intentionally by God, there are no accidents in our existence. We have heard the phrase “accidental pregnancy”, but in God’s eyes there is not a one of us that was created by some sort of mistake. In Psalm 139:13-14, David comments on this intention: “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Think of a knitter or a crocheter, sitting with needles or hook and yarn in a chair looking down at her work. Think of the thought and care that goes into each stitch, think of the final product. Maybe it is a gift, a baby blanket to welcome a new life into the world or a prayer shawl that has had a prayer raveled into each stitch for the recipient. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God’s masterpiece, and is there a greater artist than God? We have been crafted with intention; there are no mistakes with God.
Not only have we been created with intention, but our lives have meaning: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” What that meaning is may not always be apparent to us, but God has a plan for our lives and if we keep our eyes on Him and our hearts constantly seeking Him out we will be able to follow it. God has promised us this in Jeremiah 29:11-13: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.’” So many people wonder if they have meaning – scripture tells us that yes, absolutely, we do. We have meaning. We have purpose. We may not know it right now and it may take time to see where God is leading us – but we have purpose.
If you’re in a place in your life where you’re down or feeling lost or cast aside, there is reassurance in knowing that God has created us intentionally and that we have meaning. Cling to the words in scripture and set your eyes on Him, pray for Him to lead you to the path that will help you determine His plan for your life. Praise Him for making you on purpose and with the deep love He has for each of us.
Know today that you are loved by God and there is meaning in your life. Know this, then take a deep breath and live it.