Encouragement for Writers Who Feel Redundant

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! (Romans 15:6 The Message).

I get the opportunity to talk to a lot of writers. And we all have one big thing in common—insecurity.

It’s actually a trait I see in a lot of people, not only writers. I used to struggle, wondering how someone with as little to offer as me could make a difference in this world. I mean, as a writer who’s a Christian, how could I be as impactful as others who are already having an impact. Why would God even need me?

There are lots of logical arguments for and against this lack of confidence. But, for me, none of them ever helped. None of them explained why God would use me when He has so many more qualified. Really does the world need one more Christian writer or blogger, or am I just adding to the noise.

I finally got smart and one morning, during my quiet time, took the question to God. I wanted Him to either confirm His calling on my life or not. Here's what God had to say, not in literal words, but in a new way of thinking about my concern of adding to the noise in the world.

He used the analogy of a choir.

He showed me that He has thousands of voices out there who are His choir. And as in musical choir, the music is more beautiful with more than one soprano or more than one alto. The same holds true with the chorus He’s put together to spread His message. He uses thousands of us, many with the same message, but a unique voice to make up the sections of His choir. He assured me that while I may not be a soloist, He still misses me when I'm not there. 

I'm one voice, but when He directs, the music is divine!

A Prayer About Letting My Faith Sing

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts (Psalm 105:2 NIV).

Dear Lord, why would you choose to use someone like me? There are others who are more eloquent in their writing, more wise in their application, and have more experience. My audience is precious, but tiny. I don’t feel like there’s anything unique about what I have to say. 

I am thrilled to feel Your call on my life—to think that You may have designed me for such a time as this. But it feels like all I have to say has been said before. I worry that I may have missed the message You intended me to share. Why do You need one more person saying the same thing?

Give me confirmation that I’m on the right path. Show me how my message can impact Your kingdom. I’m not asking for a huge audience, I’m happy where I am, as long as I’m in the middle of Your will. Don’t let me grow discouraged. Instead keep me steadfast and firm in all You’ve called me to do. 

Blessings,

Edie

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Encouragement for Writers Who Feel Redundant from author @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

*reprinted from Soul Care for Writers with permission from Bold Vision Books, Inc.

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her WEBSITE, through FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.

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