Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Defeating a Writer's Self Doubt

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28


Defeating writer's self doubt.
I don’t know how many times I’ve thought, I can’t do this.

Writing books. Editing books. Finishing blog posts on time. Thinking up ideas to write about. Talking to people about my writing. Encouraging others to write. I wondered if I could do it.

Self-doubt likes to whisper joy-stealing, fear-fueled lies into our lives.
  • You can’t write this book.
  • No one will want to publish your writing.
  • You’re not as good as so-and-so.
We’re not the only ones who have heard self-doubt speak. One of Israel’s greatest leaders started out with doubts and questions, but God answered each one.

When God called Moses to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt to a new land, Moses had five doubts or questions.
  • Who am I to do this? (Exodus 3:11)
  • Who are You if they should ask me? (Exodus 3:13)
  • Suppose they won’t listen? (Exodus 4:1)
  • I’m not eloquent. (Exodus 4:10)
  • Please send someone else! (Exodus 4:13)

God answered Moses' questions with truth.
God answered Moses’ questions with the truth—He would be with him. He gave Moses evidence that He would go with him, and He commissioned his brother Aaron to be a companion in the adventure. God has adventures in store for us, if we will trust Him.

God knows how to answer our doubts and questions. Here’s what Moses’ list would sound like coming from a writer and what God might say in response to it.
  • Who am I? I’m not a natural writer. … I will be with you. I have called you to write and will teach you.
  • Will anyone want to listen? … If I have called you, I will use your words to bless others.
  • Will I ever have a way to be heard? … I will provide an avenue for that to happen.
  • I’m not eloquent! … I will be with your pen (or keyboard) and guide you.
  • Please call someone else! … Here’s a writers group to belong to. You don’t have to be on your own in this.
In the writing journey, you're not alone.
In the writing journey, you’re not alone. If God has called you to write, you have Him as your greatest inspiration and strength. You have hundreds—even thousands—of other Christian writers who have similar struggles and questions. The internet and social media is a great way to stay connected, no matter where we live, and to encourage each other in the writing journey. It’s a blessing when a writer can find a local group to belong to and receive encouragement and feedback.

Together we can be a strong voice for God in the world. We can share messages of hope and redemption. Don’t let self-doubt keep you from sharing the messages God wants you to write. Refuse the lies and the fear, and turn self-doubt into God-confidence. We write for the One who saves souls and heals hearts. As He strengthens our hearts, we can strengthen others.

Defeat self-doubt by remembering God Himself is with you and by believing He will help you to find the right words and the right way to share them with the world. This world needs more Christian writers who aren’t afraid to let the light shine and to pierce the darkness. Keep your torch bright by refusing self-doubt and by flourishing in the presence and promises of God. Have confidence in Him, and keep writing. 

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Defeating a Writer's Self Doubt - @KatyKauffman28 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet) 

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning writer and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies, a ministry which seeks to connect people to God through His Word. 

She has taught the Bible to women and teens, and has two published Bible studies for women, 2 Timothy: Winning the Victory and Faith, Courage, and VictoryShe is an editor of the new Refresh Bible Study Magazine and the designer of Broken but Priceless: The Magazine. She makes her home near Atlanta, Georgia.

20 comments:

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    1. I'm glad you found it encouraging, Cherrilynn! I love your spirit and your writing. Press on!

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  2. Thank you, Katy. Words I needed to hear.

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  3. Great reminder Katy. We all deal with this and you did such a great job. Loved the way you used Mosea as an example. As I get ready for Blue Ridge Mtn Christian Writers Conf these doubts surface once again. Thanks for helping me push those a doubts aside!

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    1. Yes, push them aside! That conference is too much of an adventure to let doubts win. I pray you have a great, encouraging, insightful week. May God guide every step.

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    1. Thank you, Randy. May God bless your writing.

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  5. Thanks for the encouragement...you must have read my mail. I constantly fight this battle and find myself there even as I write this.

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    1. I pray God gives you the grace to do His will and the courage to overcome obstacles. Keep writing for Him!

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  6. Thanks, Katy, for sharing this. Just this morning, those doubts flooded my mind. Then I read this. Perfect timing. Thanks, friend!

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    1. I love it when God times something perfectly. May He help you conquer those doubts!

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  7. Beautiful post, Katy! Thanks for these reminders. =)

    Tessa

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    1. You're welcome, Tessa! Keep writing. The world needs writers like you.

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  8. I've struggled with every single one of your points. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You're welcome, Terri, and may God help you to have faith and courage like Moses did. We get to do great things with God leading us. Great things for Him that help others. Don't let doubt win!

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  9. I love this great encouragement just in time for Blue Ridge!

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    1. I'm really glad, Beckie! May God bless all your appointments, classes, and connections.

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