CREATED, MADE, FORMED

In our journey of faith and life, understanding who we are and what we're here for is key. The words "created," "formed," and "made" are more than just theological concepts—they’re ways to help us understand our connection with God and the role we’re meant to play in this world. Each of these terms points to a different part of how God works in our lives, showing us how much intention and care went into making us who we are. These words are essential not only to our faith but also to how we view ourselves and the purpose we have in life. Looking at the Bible and stories of real people can give us valuable insight into how God’s actions shape us into who we are and who we’re meant to become.

Created: A Purposeful Beginning

When we begin to explore the word “created,” it immediately brings us to the understanding that we were not just placed on this earth by chance. From the moment of our creation, we were designed with intentionality. In the opening chapters of the Bible, we see that God didn’t just make a random collection of beings. In Genesis 1:26-27, God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” These words are incredibly significant because they speak to the nature of our existence. We are not here simply as a result of random processes or evolution; we were created on purpose, with purpose. This truth alone can give our lives a deeper sense of meaning. We were made to reflect something greater than ourselves—the image of our Creator.

But what does it mean to be created in the image of God? Well, it means that we have the potential to mirror God's character in some way. We have the capacity for relationships, creativity, and moral understanding—all things that set us apart from the rest of creation. Think about the intricate details of how God created the universe: the beauty of the natural world, the complexity of human relationships, and the creativity that allows us to make art, music, and solve problems. All of this reflects God’s nature, and we, as His creation, are a part of that reflection.

When we look at the concept of being “created,” we also realize that it speaks to a foundational truth about human identity. It’s a reminder that, even on our worst days or when we struggle with self-worth, our very existence is an act of love and intentionality by God. The fact that we are “created” means we are not expendable or insignificant. Instead, we are deeply valued, carefully designed by a loving Creator who saw fit to bring us into being.

A powerful example of what it means to be created can be seen in the life of the artist Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh’s work was born from a deep sense of purpose, even though his life was filled with struggles. He painted not just for fame or recognition, but to express his own inner world. Despite living in poverty and battling personal demons, he remained driven by the idea that his creativity mattered. Van Gogh’s art is a testament to the deep drive to create that exists within humanity—something that reflects the Creator’s own heart.

Van Gogh’s approach to his craft shows us that our “creation” isn’t limited to just the physical realm. We are created to express ourselves, to build, to make, and to reflect the beauty and complexity of our Maker. This drives us to pursue creativity and innovation, not as an afterthought, but as part of the very essence of who we are. Every stroke of paint, every song composed, every invention is an expression of our identity as those made in God’s image. Even in Van Gogh’s darkest moments, when he questioned his worth and struggled with his mental health, his art was a way for him to communicate, to make sense of the world around him, and to affirm the beauty of life, even in its brokenness.

The act of creation, then, is something deeply intertwined with our purpose. We were created to create. Just as God, the ultimate Creator, created the world with intention, so too do we reflect that nature in our own lives. When we use our talents, ideas, and resources to make something, we are participating in a divine pattern—a pattern that began at the very moment God said, “Let us make man in our image.” Every time we create—whether through art, writing, or even in the way we love others—we reflect the Creator who designed us. The act of creation becomes not just a means of self-expression, but a way of honoring the God who created us with such deep purpose.

Looking at our own lives through this lens of being “created” also challenges us to understand that our identity is not something we can simply define on our own. We are created by someone—by God—and that gives our lives a deeper meaning. We were created to fulfill a role, to live in relationship with others, and to reflect the nature of God in the world. Our lives, therefore, are not just about us. They are part of a much larger story, one that involves reflecting the goodness, creativity, and love of God. And when we embrace the truth that we are created with purpose, we can begin to see our own lives as meaningful, regardless of the circumstances we may face.

Formed: Shaped with Care

When we move to the idea of being “formed,” we are entering the realm of deep, personal, and ongoing transformation. Being formed highlights the intimate care and process through which God shapes us, molding us into the individuals He intends us to be. The Bible speaks to this beautifully in Isaiah 64:8: "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." This image of being clay in the hands of a potter presents a vivid picture of God’s work in our lives. Just as a skilled potter shapes each piece of clay with care, patience, and purpose, so too does God shape our hearts, minds, and lives with deep intentionality.

The act of being formed is not a one-time event; it’s a continual process that spans the entirety of our lives. Just as clay on a wheel is continually shaped and refined, we, too, are constantly being shaped by God’s loving hands. The process of being formed involves refining us through life’s experiences, relationships, and challenges. It’s a journey of becoming more aligned with the image God has for us, even when the path feels long or difficult. This shaping is not always easy, and often, it involves stretching, molding, and refining parts of us that need to change in order to reflect God's character more clearly.

One key aspect of being formed is the way in which God uses our life experiences to shape us. Whether it's through moments of joy or times of hardship, every experience has the potential to mold us in a way that aligns us more closely with God’s will for our lives. God’s hand is at work in both the mountaintop moments and the valleys of our lives, using each to shape us into who we are meant to be. Even when we don't understand why certain things happen or how challenges fit into God's plan, we can trust that God is forming us through it all. He is shaping our character, refining our attitudes, and helping us grow in ways that prepare us for the future He has in mind for us.

Helen Keller’s life provides a powerful example of the way God forms us through challenging circumstances. Born deaf and blind, Keller faced enormous obstacles in life that seemed insurmountable. Yet, instead of allowing her disabilities to define her, she found strength in them and overcame the limitations they imposed on her. Through perseverance, faith, and the support of others, Keller became a renowned author, advocate, and activist. Her life is a testament to the truth that even when the journey is difficult, God is at work, shaping us into something beautiful and purposeful.

Keller’s life story is particularly significant because it shows how God often forms us in partnership with others. Keller was not alone in her journey—she had the guidance and care of her teacher Anne Sullivan, who helped her learn to communicate and navigate the world. This relationship demonstrates that God doesn’t form us in isolation; rather, He uses the people around us, the community we are part of, and the relationships we build to shape us into who we are meant to become. Just as clay is shaped on the wheel by the hands of the potter, we are shaped by the love, guidance, and support of others who walk alongside us.

The process of being formed also involves a deep sense of trust in God’s timing. When we look back on our lives, we often see how certain experiences have shaped us, sometimes in ways we couldn’t understand in the moment. But, just as a potter must be patient and intentional with each piece of clay, God is patient with us, guiding us through each stage of our development. The process of being formed is not always immediate, and sometimes it can feel like progress is slow, but God is always at work, shaping us for His greater purpose.

One of the most beautiful aspects of being formed is that it speaks to our ongoing transformation. Just as a potter continues to refine and perfect the clay, God is always working in us, shaping us into the image of Christ. This transformation is not something that happens overnight. It’s a gradual process, one that unfolds over time as we grow in faith, understanding, and character. As we embrace the work God is doing in our lives, we learn to see the beauty in the shaping process, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.

Being formed also speaks to the unique individuality that God has woven into each of us. Just as no two pieces of pottery are exactly alike, no two people are formed in the same way. Each person’s journey of formation is distinct, shaped by their own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. God’s plan for each of us is unique, and He forms us in ways that reflect our individual calling. This diversity in the formation process highlights the creativity of God and the way He uses our unique qualities to fulfill His greater plan for the world.

As we reflect on the concept of being formed, we realize that it is not just about our own individual development but also about the ways in which God uses our formation to impact the world around us. Just as a piece of pottery is crafted for a purpose—whether for decoration, utility, or service—so too are we formed to serve a greater purpose. Our formation is not just for our own benefit, but for the good of others. God shapes us so that we can serve, love, and reflect His character in the world.

In the process of being formed, we are called to trust that God’s hand is always at work, even when we don’t see the bigger picture. Just as a potter has a vision for what the finished piece will look like, God has a vision for our lives—a vision that is far greater than we can imagine. Our job is to surrender to His shaping process, trusting that He knows what is best for us and that He is guiding us toward a purpose that will bring glory to His name.

Made: Crafted for Purpose

When we move from the concept of being “created” to being “made,” we begin to dive deeper into the idea of purpose and intentionality. To be “made” isn’t just about the initial act of creation, but about being shaped for something specific. The Bible speaks to this reality in Ephesians 2:10, where we are reminded, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This verse reminds us that we are not only created in the image of God, but that we are made for something greater—good works that God has already prepared for us. To be "made" speaks to a divine design, a careful crafting by God for a specific purpose.

Unlike the concept of being created, which speaks more to our identity, being made emphasizes the aspect of purpose. It highlights the fact that God did not make us just to exist; He made us with specific roles and tasks in mind. Each of us is made to contribute something unique to the world—whether it's through acts of kindness, creating art, teaching others, or supporting our families. Our lives are meant to be a reflection of God’s goodness and love in action. To be made for a purpose means that we are not just drifting through life, but actively living out a calling that connects us to something larger than ourselves.

When we embrace the idea that we are made with purpose, it shifts the way we view our daily lives. Every action, no matter how small, can carry weight and significance because it is part of the greater work God has prepared for us. Whether we are working in an office, raising children, volunteering in our communities, or pursuing personal passions, we are made for specific purposes that reflect God's will for our lives. This view of purpose is not just about what we do, but about how we do it. The "good works" that we are made for are not just tasks, but opportunities to serve others and demonstrate God's love in practical ways.

An inspiring example of this kind of purposeful life can be found in the story of Maura McHugh, a mother from Ireland who, after the tragic loss of her son, channeled her grief into a mission that has touched countless lives. Instead of succumbing to despair, McHugh used her pain as a stepping stone to create a charity that supports bereaved parents. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea of being “made” for a purpose. Through her pain, she discovered a mission greater than herself—a calling to help others who were experiencing the same sorrow she had faced. McHugh’s transformation from grief to mission illustrates the powerful truth that God can use even our most difficult experiences to shape us into the people He has made us to be.

The beauty of the “made” process is that it doesn’t just stop with the moment of creation or with the recognition of purpose. It’s an ongoing journey that is shaped by the choices we make, the relationships we form, and the challenges we face. When we are made for something, we begin to recognize that our actions have a ripple effect. The way we live our lives impacts those around us and can be a part of God's greater plan. This concept also reminds us that we are not in control of our purpose. Just as a craftsman shapes a piece of wood or a block of clay, God shapes us over time, sometimes using difficult circumstances to refine us and guide us toward the purpose He has for us.

Maura McHugh’s journey also teaches us that being made for a purpose often involves stepping outside of our comfort zones. It requires courage to step into the unknown and to embrace a mission that may feel daunting or overwhelming. Yet, in doing so, we can experience the fullness of what it means to be made for a specific task. God equips us with the strength, resilience, and wisdom we need to walk in the purpose He has prepared for us, even when it feels like the road is too hard.

At times, the purpose we are made for might not be immediately obvious, and we might struggle with the question of what we are meant to do. But the beautiful truth is that God is faithful to reveal our purpose in His timing. Just like an artist or a craftsman slowly shapes their creation, God carefully molds us and reveals the good works He has prepared for us to walk in. The process of being made is about aligning our lives with God's will, discovering our unique calling, and living with the assurance that we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

The concept of being made also challenges us to think about how we can be of service to others. It reminds us that life isn’t just about our personal fulfillment or success, but about how we can contribute to the greater good. When we recognize that we are made for a purpose, we can begin to live more intentionally, seeking ways to help, love, and serve others in our daily lives. This perspective opens up new opportunities for us to connect with others and make a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem.

Ultimately, being made is about understanding that we are part of a larger story—a story that is shaped by the good works God has prepared for us. Whether we see the full picture right now or not, we can trust that we are being shaped and guided toward a purpose that is both unique and deeply meaningful. Our role in God’s story matters, and the way we choose to live our lives can make a lasting impact on the world around us.

As we come to the end of our exploration of being created, made, and formed, it becomes clear that these concepts are not just theological ideas or abstract notions—they are deeply personal truths that shape the way we live. Each word offers a glimpse into God's purpose for our lives, and together, they create a powerful narrative of intentionality, transformation, and fulfillment.

We were created in God's image, reflecting His divine creativity and purpose. Genesis 1:26-27 reminds us, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness," establishing that humanity is the intentional creation of a loving God. This truth anchors our identity, reminding us that our lives have meaning far beyond the surface. We are not random accidents of nature; we are intentional creations with a deep calling to reflect the divine through our relationships, our work, and our everyday actions. The knowledge that we are made to mirror the Creator should inspire us to live with purpose, to embrace our inherent worth, and to seek out the ways we can honor God in all that we do.

But creation is only the beginning. From the moment we are made, we are also shaped and refined through the process of being formed. Isaiah 64:8 paints this picture beautifully: "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." Like clay on a potter's wheel, we are constantly being molded by God’s hands—sometimes gently, sometimes through the trials and challenges that life brings. Each experience, every relationship, and each season of growth contributes to the ongoing work God is doing in us. This process of being formed teaches us patience, trust, and the understanding that God’s timing is perfect. He is at work in us, even when we cannot see the full picture. Through it all, He is shaping us into the individuals we were always meant to be.

And then, as we are formed, we are made—made for a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." This realization is both humbling and empowering: our lives are not just a series of random events, but a part of a divine story, one that we are called to live out. We are made to serve, to love, and to reflect God’s goodness to the world. Each moment of our lives is an opportunity to walk in the good works God has prepared for us, to make a difference in the lives of those around us, and to contribute to His greater purpose in the world.

In embracing our identity as creations, formed with care, and made for a divine calling, we find our true meaning and purpose. As Psalm 139:14 declares, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made," every step of our journey, whether filled with joy or struggle, is a part of a greater plan that transcends our individual lives. By trusting in God's process of creation, formation, and making, we can walk confidently in the light of our purpose, knowing that we are part of a divine narrative that is greater than ourselves.

We are His workmanship, intricately created, carefully formed, and made for a purpose far beyond our comprehension. And as we continue on this journey, may we always remember that we are not alone. God is with us every step of the way, guiding, shaping, and leading us toward the fullness of the life He has prepared for us. All we have to do is talk to Him, do as He tells us, and acknowledge HE IS God, and go from there!

I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna M. C. Hazen  2024

The image is AI generated on chatgpt.