God is Creator, We the Created

God the Creator by John Calvin is a profound look at God’s role in creating, sustaining, and redeeming his creation, including us.

“You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him, who formed it, ‘He did not make me’? Can the pot say of the potter, “He knows nothing”? Isaiah 29:16

Recently an acquaintance expressed frustration with God. She felt he was allowing too many hardships in her life. While she did not say so, her words and attitude made me wonder if she blamed God for her misfortunes.

It’s easy to hang our heartaches on God. Why is my life so hard? Why can’t my life be happy like other people? When will you fix my world, God?

The apostle Paul reminds us of Isaiah’s metaphor: “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”

I am convinced I can become bitter toward God if I believe two myths: 1) I deserve to be happy, and 2) God is in charge of making it so. In truth, God is more interested in us becoming like Jesus and living life abundantly, and if we’re happy along the way that’s bonus. He also asks us to obey his ways and by doing so we enjoy many blessings.

Do you find yourself whining at God? Do you give God credit as Creator and recognize us as created? What attitude should flow from understanding that God made us, that he doesn’t ‘owe’ us, and that he has given us guidelines to enjoy a redeemed life?

God, forgive me for grumbling about my lot in life; humble me to accept who I am and this life of mine. Guide me in your ways that I may enjoy your life abundant. Amen.

Thought: Buy a small potted plant. Nurture it. Let it remind you that in the plainness of our lives and bodies we can still grow beauty.

By Dr. Bill Strom
used by permission

Further Reading

• Each One is God’s Individual Miracle – by John Grant

• Fearfully and Wonderfully Made – by Carol Jantzen

• Wonderfully Made – by John Grant

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