The Jesus I Know 10-Day DevotionalSample

A Different Kind of Missionary: A Conversation with Kristin Chenoweth

Kathie Lee  


It is impossible to keep from smiling when I think of my talented and absolutely adorable friend, Kristin Chenoweth. I am in awe of how such a tiny person can belt out seemingly impossible high notes with so much power. She’s an equally gifted actress, but it is her heart I genuinely adore the most. This is Kristin’s story with Jesus.

Kristin


I was lucky enough to be adopted. My parents who raised me lived in Tulsa. I know God sent His Son so we can have life, and I feel like my birth mother gave me life so I can have a life. That’s the very first miracle I ever experienced.

I was a kid who sang in church. I thought I’d be the next Amy Grant or Sandi Patty. I went to school, took drama, piano, and ballet. I had a teacher, Florence Birdwell, who was my mentor and helped me to become the singer and artist I am today. But, it really all began in church.

Kathie Lee


That is so God! So God was weaving His tapestry among your precious parents, this beautiful biological mother who loved you enough to make sure you’d be given everything she couldn’t give you herself. We can’t do life alone. We were never meant to. God made families because we’re not supposed to face all the challenges of life alone. And then He gave us a church where we can love one another and leave all the judgment up to God and just be brothers and sisters. 

So, Kristin, God chose you, like He chose me, for another world. A world that doesn’t go to church, that doesn’t believe the Bible could have any relevance today, that doesn’t believe Jesus existed, much less was raised from the dead for our sins. And you came to know early on in life how special you were—made in the image of God for something much greater than your own glory. 

Kristin


I’d become a Christian as a child. I was in the second grade, and I knew absolutely what I was doing. When I was in middle school at a church camp, I kept getting a call to be a missionary, and I thought, I’m not really the missionary type. I like ballet. I like indoors, not bugs! But okay, God, if that’s what I’ve got to do.

It wasn’t until I was in the trenches of Broadway and film and TV and my career took off, that I started to understand what kind of missionary God was going to have me be. Many of my friends are not believers or have different faiths so we get into interesting conversations. People are always looking for holes in my story, and I always say, “I know who was in charge. I know it was the Almighty.” I try not to go too deep because I don’t want to lose people. By the way, I have made tons of mistakes. I am not perfect. But that’s why Jesus died for us. That’s why I say “Please forgive me” all the time.

Kathie Lee


Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you” and “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” You personify that to me, and I think that’s why God entrusted you with a big voice and a big career and a big life that’s only just getting started.

Respond

When did you first learn about Jesus? 

What gifts, abilities, and opportunities has God given you to share Jesus with others? 

How does Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor” influence how you share Jesus’ love with those who need His love?

Prayer

I am so loved by You sweet Jesus. Thank You for how You carefully weave the pieces of my life together so I can live for You and share Your love with others. I praise You for making me in Your image. Help me to step into the opportunities You give me to love others the way You have loved me. Amen.