A Purposed Creation

written by Kerri Bridges

“We were created to give God glory.” More than two decades later, I still remember this particular sermon orated by my youth pastor, Stan Grant, in my small hometown of Gloucester, VA. He had a way of making his words memorable, but even more so, inspiring a young generation on the cusp of life and understanding our place in it. These words, inspired by scripture, gave me purpose, a reason why God gifted me with music. Not just for my own pleasure, not for my own glory, but for His.

“Everyone who is called by My Name, whom I created for my glory. I formed him-yes, I made him!” Isaiah 43:7 TLV These words shaped a foundation on which I could stand. As a young girl, starry-eyed and with dreams of where my music could take me, I now understood my purpose – to give God glory. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less. Every white and black key plunked, every vocal trill, every lyric written, was to bring glory to God and none other.

Music is the body; worship is the spirit. Music is the conduit; worship is what flows inside. Music is prose; worship is poetry. Music is natural; worship is supernatural. Music is human; worship is divine.

The difference between “music” and “worship” was a revelation. One that would become clearer to me with every life experience, whether a victory or a tragedy, a failure or a triumph; whether mundane or extraordinary, insignificant or remarkable. Every experience was an opportunity for me to give God glory. The glory that is due Him. This was my purpose in life. Whether I sang before a crowded room or a mirror, given heckles or applause, given recognition or none. This. Is. My. Purpose: To give God glory. This. Is. YOUR. Purpose: To give God glory. I am a purposed creation. You are a purposed creation.

Now decades later, life has not always been what I, in my youth, had imagined it would be. Fame and fortune are not my story. Touring and roadies are not my story. Radio play and music festivals are not my story. But being a lead worshipper is my story. Guiding others into the presence of God through worship is my story. Seeing people’s hearts change at God’s wooing is my story. Giving God glory through worship is my story. It is my calling. It is my purpose. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

ABOUT KERRI

I have been married to the love of my life for almost 25 years. We have six incredible children together. I have been a part of the many aspects of worship since childhood. As a pianist, singer, and songwriter, my heart is to draw others to the heart of God through worship, finding a place of refuge in His presence.

Women World Leaders is honored to have Kerri lead worship for the monthly online Facebook live teaching, prayer and worship event.

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