Monday, May 25, 2009

A Chance Encounter

What would you do if you had a chance encounter with someone who could change your life? A swimmer’s chance to jump in the pool with Michael Phelps. A singer’s chance to be heard by Simon Cowell. A writer’s chance to be read by Michael Hyatt (CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, the largest Christian publishing company in the world.)

Like the swimmer, would you jump in hoping to make a big splash? As a singer, would you sing a song, not worrying if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear? Or would you be like a writer whose fear of rejection gives her writer’s block with no hope of inspiration.

You’ve stepped into the path of greatness ready to be judged, rejected or accepted. You’re scared you’re not good enough, but you pray you are. You squelch down the desire to run and say “never mind, I was just joking, I’m not worthy.”

But then you hear the words “I accept you!” You’re a gold medal Olympian, or a Grammy winning artist, or a New York Times best seller. You’ve been chosen by the greatest to be his protégé, and he will be your teacher.

Think it could never happen to you? I thought so too. But think again. That’s exactly what God does. He gives us the chance to do our best for Him. Sadly, by ourselves we aren’t enough. We sink instead of swim. We are more than a little pitchy. We have weak writing and no platform.

But God only sees Jesus and His perfection, so God says to us, “I accept you.” Now we have a Teacher who is willing to show us the ropes, to improve our craft and to perfect us.

All because of one chance encounter, your life can be changed. Jump in, sing out loud, write your story.

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 -- The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.



Kelly Combs is a writer who loves coffee, clothes & Christ…not necessarily in that order. A chance encounter with Jesus changed her life. She is still waiting for that chance encounter with Michael Hyatt to pitch her devotional book.

Chatty Kelly

25 comments:

Blasé said...

Today, I'm thankful for Kelly/CK.

She is not only beautiful on the outside, but the inside as well (fyi..'beautiful' and 'perfection' are not one and the same)

Oh Shoot! I just remembered, today is not Thankful Thursday. I'm sorry.

Gracious Me!!! I don't have the holiday off, today. I better get my rear in GEAR...and get to work. WHOOOooo!

Beth in NC said...

That was great. It actually ties into something in my heart that I just shared on my blog. Sigh.

Maybe God is telling me it is time to step out again.

Bless you,
Beth

Joy in The Truth said...

By His perfect plan, He meets us and leads us. That is so beautiful! Girlfriend, you'd be loving the Chrono Bible right now...in 1 Kings and 2 Chron. about King Solomon. He sought and encountered God.

2 Chron. 6:14
He said: "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.

Happy Memorial Day! :)

Runner Mom said...

Kelly, this was a great reminder of His Truth!! I needed to hear that today! Funny, you're about the third person (the second being our minister in his sermon yesterday!!!)who has brought this up since the weekend began. Is God speaking? You bet!! I just need to make sure that I'm listening :).

Y'all have a great Memorial Day!

Hugs,
Susan

Lisa said...

I love the verse found in Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Though our hearts sometimes dream of the "chance encounter", to know that God is working to fulfill His purpose is it's own reward.
Blessings ~ Lisa

Mocha with Linda said...

You are truly gifted at writing these devotionals.

Wish I were a publisher and not just a little ol' blog reviewer!

christy rose said...

Kelly,
This post was just great! God does only see Jesus and His perfection when He sees us. What a gift He has given us through His finished work on the cross. If only we had more revelation and understanding of this important truth, we would walk closer to Him and experience more of the power of our salvation in our daily lives.

I love finding posts on such foundational yet deep truths as yours today.

I will definitely be back to read what God is showing you again.

Christy Rose

Mary Moss said...

Another great post! I love these examples of chance encounters.

I do rejoice that I am fortunate to have encountered Jesus!

Billy Coffey said...

I'm going to agree with Mocha with Linda. If anyone deserves to have their manuscript read by Michael Hyatt, it's you.

Beth in NC said...

Thank you so much for the follow! Blessings & Happy Memorial Day!

Beth

Blasé said...

Some of your posts tell me something about you- You're a Thinker. And that is among one of the eight things that I like about you.

Preach On, Sister!

Leslie said...

I wish I could write insightful posts each time like you do! Sometimes I just don't have anything to say, so I remind myself that I need to listen for the Lord. I know that soon enough he'll place something on my heart to write about. That's where I'm at at this very moment!

Hope y'all enjoyed yourselves at Outback!

HisPrincess said...

Thanks for the reminder that without Jesus, we will fall short.

B His Girl said...

The One who changed your life can arrange that if it is His will for your life. It would not be a chance encounter. It would be an ordered encounter. Keep walking. Many things await you. B

God's girl said...

Ahh...God is good at divine appointments. Praying for yours!

My ADHD Me said...

I see I have a few posts to comment on. I'm going to wait until tomorrow because it's late and I'm VERY TIRED....but just wanted you to wake up in the morning and see that someone stopped in to say hi.

(oh, that someone would be me...but I think you realized that...didn't you?...yes, I'm quite sure you did)

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Or, you get to talk to Amy Grant? Ha. I liked this post a lot. Most of are on the side of feeling unworthy rather than grace-covered.

Greg C said...

Oh Kelly, I loved the little pitch at the end. I think I would freeze of given the opportunity but who knows. I am so glad that our God doesn't judge us for not being perfect and accepts us the way we are.

LindaCCC said...

Ahhh, thank you. Reading your blog was like having my first cup of morning coffee.

LisaShaw said...

Kelly,

I was encouraged in this.

These words drew me deeply: "But God only sees Jesus and His perfection, so God says to us, “I accept you.”"

Love ya.

KelliGirl said...

Kelly,
Your words are so true. How awesome is it that we don't have to wait to be "discovered" to find the real meaning of and fulfillment in life. Is there any greater honor than being hand selected by the Creator of the universe?

I don't think I revel in the amazing-ness of that truth often enough.

Mrs. Sidney said...

What a great point to make... a chance encounter!!

Awesome!!

Susanne said...

Such a great post, Kelli that spoke right into my heart!

Angela said...

Beautiful Kelly

Shelly W said...

Hi Kelly! I've seen your comments all over the blogosphere and I've popped in here a time or two, but I think God really wanted me to see what you wrote today. See, I've taken a huge step of faith and signed up for a publisher meeting at She Speaks this summer. Most days I feel frozen with fear, but I also take small steps toward my goal. It's hard.

I just wanted to say hello and thank you for writing this today.

Shelly