Why?

By Isabella Oeffner

Why? It's a question I'm ashamed to admit I've been asking a lot. More specifically, why am I on earth? I think everyone struggles with this question at some point — whether in our lowest moments or when we simply think too deeply. The world is full of things we could do: take a trip, apply for a job, spend time with friends, chase hobbies — really, endless possibilities. But that's the thing, isn't it? The world is full of distractions meant to take the edge off life's struggles, to fill a void inside us. But what exactly is that void?

That void is in our hearts. It is a God-shaped hole — a longing for purpose, connection, and truth that only He can fill. You might wonder how this connects to possibilities and the question of 'why.' Jeremiah 29:11 says, 'For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' On the surface, it might not answer the question of 'why,' but it reveals a truth: God's timing and plans are perfect. Everything He allows is meant to guide, not harm.

So, why does life sometimes feel painful or unfair? The Bible teaches that Satan works to oppose God's plans, trying to pull us away from Him. Sometimes God allows hardships, like He did with Job, to teach lessons, refine our character, or reveal sins we haven't surrendered to Him. But even in hardship, God's ultimate goal is to redirect us toward His path. This is why looking at the world's possibilities can leave us empty. God is the One who gives true opportunity. Using the analogy of fishing, if life is a river, then living for the world is like casting near shallow sandbanks with fake bait!

Living for God is casting into deep waters with real bait — the one that brings the catch He intended for us. Why settle for fool's gold when we can have the real treasure? So, why do we live? Why were we born? Why are we the way we are? Scripture gives us answers.

What Scripture Says About Your Purpose

Psalm 139:13-14 — '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.' God designed you with intention. You are not an accident.

Ephesians 2:10 — 'For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' You have a purpose that only you can fulfill.

Proverbs 19:21 — 'Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.' God's purpose is the compass for our lives.

Isaiah 43:7 — 'Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.' We exist to glorify God, intentionally and uniquely.

Romans 8:28 — 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.' Even pain and setbacks serve His ultimate plan!

James 1:2-4 — 'Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials because the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' Hardship shapes us — building character and faith.

2 Corinthians 4:17 — 'For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.' Temporary struggles point to eternal significance.

Proverbs 3:5-6 — 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.' Even when life feels confusing, God's guidance is certain.

Philippians 1:6 — 'Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.' Your life is a work in progress under God's care, with a secure and purposeful future.

Reflection

Life isn't about chasing every worldly opportunity. It's about seeking the divine one. It's about casting into the depths with God and trusting that He knows the waters better than we ever could. The 'why' of life is to glorify God, walk in His purpose, and experience the abundance only He can offer.

Where are you casting your line today — shallow or deep waters? Are you searching for answers in the world, or in God's Word?