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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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 Victory. She 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.