When We Doubt Our Calling to Write

We all have seasons where we doubt this calling we once felt so strongly. When that happens, what do you do? Give up? Find some writing friends? Call your mom? All of those might be options, of course.

Every writer faces doubt—about ability, about purpose, about impact. Doubt can make us hesitate, stall, or even stop altogether.

But in our doubt, God still shines His grace over us, and our purpose.

Doubt whispers, “You’re not good enough.”

Grace answers, “Time for God to shine!”

Don’t silence doubt with pride, quitting, or pouting —silence it with truth. I find that pride has a second definition we often overlook. Pride is not just puffing up or growing a big ‘ole ego. Pride can also be thinking that we are not good enough or doubting God’s ability to use us. That is the type of pride I sometimes catch myself in. However, that brain formula still yields a form of pride.

So what is the truth that helps silence the lies? The truth is always found in Him. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” And Romans 8:37 reminds us, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” And of course, there is the very familiar “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

God tells us what to do with our gifts, and it is clear that He expects us to pick up our mantles and complete the projects He assigns us. While on the cross, Jesus said to His Father, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

Paul reminds us that weakness is not something to be ashamed of. It is the very platform where God shows His strength. When you feel the weight of inadequacy, remember: you are not supposed to carry this calling alone.

I find that writing conferences and gatherings help restore my writing groove. God always seems to provide encouragement in some form, whether through workshops, instructors, staff, or other attendees. I often leave a conference with many notes and eagerly sit at my desk the next morning because I cannot wait to get started again.

Doubt loses its grip when we shift our focus from ourselves to God. The question isn’t, Am I strong enough? but Is He strong enough through me?

And the answer will always be yes.

It was never about your perfection—it was always His presence.

Reflection

• What doubts am I holding onto?

• How might God use my weakness as a testimony?

Question

What methods help you when you are feeling doubtful of your ability, God’s call, or that you will complete a project? Write those down and commit to pursuing one of them the next time that doubt raises an ugly head.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” -I Peter 4:10-11

Prayer
Lord, in my doubt, remind me that Your grace is enough. Amen.

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We hope to see you at our online Spring Conference on March 14, featuring Bob Hostetler, award-winning author of “100 Prayers for Writers” and agent with the Steve Laube agency. More information coming soon!