Why Am I Here? - Encouragement for Today - May 26, 2026
Why Am I Here?
LAURA STORY
Lee en español
“… Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:6-7 (NIV)
One morning, my son Griffin asked, “Why are we here?” He was almost 10, and though I didn’t feel fully prepared, I gave it my best attempt.
I talked about Genesis, God’s creation of the world, our responsibility to care for it, and God’s command to make disciples.
Noticing his puzzled expression, I paused. “Is any of this making sense?”
He replied, “Mom, I’m just wondering why we are here at home. School started an hour ago!”
That question of “why” lingers far beyond childhood. Every action and decision in our lives moves us toward something. But what if, when we finally reach our goal, we realize it wasn’t where we truly needed to go? It has been said that this is like climbing a ladder, only to discover it was leaning against the wrong wall. Without understanding our purpose, we risk wandering aimlessly — or even succeeding but in all the wrong things.
So why do we exist? Scripture offers this answer: We exist for God, and our lives are meant to be lived for Him.
Though simple, this truth captures the Bible’s teaching about our purpose. In Isaiah 43, God spoke to His people as they faced exile, reminding them of their identity and why they were created: for His glory. This is the very foundation of our existence too:
“… Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” (Isaiah 43:6-7).
From the beginning, God has lacked nothing. In Genesis 1, we see perfect fellowship within the three-Person Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), complete and whole. Yet out of love and as an expression of His glory, God created humanity. This defines our purpose.
If this is true, two important realities follow:
- If I exist for God, then He does not exist for me.
Growing up, I understood that Jesus died for my sins and offered eternal life. But I often viewed faith as a way to improve my life rather than surrender it. I expected God to refine my plans, but instead, He called me to lay them down entirely.
Following Christ is not about slight adjustments; it is a complete transformation. Jesus teaches that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it (Matthew 10:39). True life begins when we stop trying to control everything and instead align ourselves with God’s will.
- If I exist for God, everything changes.
When our lives are centered on Him, our priorities shift. Our desires, decisions, and direction begin to reflect His purpose. In living for His glory, we discover the fulfillment we were designed for.
This is the paradox of faith: True freedom is found in surrender. As we are shaped by God’s Word and guided by His Spirit, we become more like Him and experience deeper joy.
Lord, remind me who I am and how I was created for You. May my life bring You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For a deeper exploration of living for God’s glory and revering Him above all else, grab a copy of Laura Story’s newest book, Stand in Awe: How Reverence Transforms Our Worship and Our Lives.
ENGAGE
You can find more of Laura’s writing and music on her website or on Instagram or Facebook.
Enter to WIN your very own copy of Stand in Awe by Laura Story. To celebrate this book, Laura’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, June 1, 2026.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (ESV).
Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (ESV).
Which of your current goals, projects, or daily stresses feel like they are building toward God’s glory, and which ones might be “ladders” leaning against your own expectations or desires?
In what specific areas of your life have you been asking God to bless your plans rather than asking Him how you can align with His?
Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Laura Story. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
