When God Says “Write”: Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice

From Edie: “If God has called you to write but fear keeps whispering ‘not you,’ this encouragement will remind you that obedience is the assignment—and God never wastes a willing pen.”

When God Says “Write,” Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice

by Kennita (Kay) Williams

If God has called you to write but fear keeps whispering ‘not you,’ this encouragement will remind you that obedience is the assignment—and God never wastes a willing pen.

I never imagined I’d call myself a writer.

Speaker? Yes. Coach? Confidently. Leader? Absolutely.

But writer? That title felt like it belonged to someone else; someone with a shelf of published books, a polished grammar style, or a deep love for commas and semicolons.

Not me.

To be honest, I used to scroll past the word “writer” like it was a item on sale, but in the wrong size. I respected it, but I didn’t see myself in it. I told myself I was a communicator not a writer. I could talk all day long. Give me a mic, a whiteboard, or a group of people ready to be inspired, and I was in my element.

But writing? That felt permanent. Too revealing. Too quiet. Too lonely.

And worst of all what if no one wanted to read what I wrote?

That question haunted me for years. Until one day, I heard God whisper something I didn’t expect:

“Write.”

That was it. One word.

Write.

When God Speaks… and Fear Answers First.

I wish I could say I jumped into obedience, pen flying across the page like fire.

But no, fear answered first.

• “God, are You sure? Who’s going to read anything I write?”
• “I’m not like those other writers.”
• “My voice isn’t literary. I don’t know all the rules.”
• “What if I fail?”

God didn’t debate me. He didn’t argue with my excuses. He simply repeated the instruction in His gentle, knowing way:

Write.

And because I’ve learned through the years that obedience opens doors fear can’t close, I did. I wrote. Not for applause. Not for likes. Not even for confidence. I wrote because God said to.

The First Time I Hit “Publish”

I remember the first time I shared something I’d written publicly. My palms were sweaty. I hit “publish” and immediately wanted to delete it.

But then, something unexpected happened.

Someone reached out and said, “This was exactly what I needed today.”

Then someone else messaged me: “Thank you for saying what I’ve been afraid to say out loud.”

And in that moment, I realized something powerful:

Obedience is the assignment. Impact is God’s business.

I wasn’t responsible for how far the words went. I was only responsible for releasing them.

Fear Still Visits… But It Doesn’t Get the Final Word.

Let’s be honest: fear doesn’t disappear just because you’re walking in obedience.

I still have moments where I open a blank document and wonder if I really have anything to say. I still feel that familiar nudge to play small or stay silent.

But here’s what I know now:

• Fear may visit, but it no longer sits at the head of the table.
• Obedience to God’s call has taught me that my words, and your words are not random. They’re assigned. Think about that… we get to be on assignment for God our Father… what a privilege… what an honor.

Even when it feels like no one’s reading.

Even when the page feels heavy.

Even when you’re not sure what to say next.

If God said “Write,”

He has already prepared the heart who needs what’s in you.

From Fearful Writer to Faithful Messenger

So now I write from a different place—not from perfection, but from permission.

I’ve given myself permission to write imperfectly. To write with honesty. To write even when I don’t feel qualified.

Because clarity doesn’t come before the writing. It comes in the writing.

And confidence?

That comes through consistency and obedience, one page at a time.

For the Writer Who’s Still Hiding

If you’re reading this and you’ve felt the nudge to write, but fear keeps whispering, “Not you” I want to speak directly to you.

• You are not behind.
• You are not too late.
• You are not unqualified.

God doesn’t call the most eloquent, He calls the willing.

• You don’t need a contract to be called.
• You don’t need a platform to be obedient.
• You don’t need a perfect sentence to have a powerful story.

What you do need… is to listen.

If God said “Write,”

your only job is to move your pen or your fingers and begin.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Friend, I never set out to be a writer people would quote or follow.

I simply said yes to the assignment.

And through that yes, God has opened doors, healed hearts, and revealed purpose, not just in others, but in me.

So here’s your reminder for today:

• Don’t wait until you feel ready.
• Don’t wait for the fear to vanish.
• Just “Write.”

God never wastes a willing pen.

TWEETABLE

When God Says “Write”: Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice from Kennita (Kay) Williams on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Dr. Kennita Williams is a visionary leadership coach, author, and founder of Clear Vision Consulting. With a passion for helping leaders overcome fear, lead with clarity, and live whole, healthy, and healed, she equips others to write, speak, and lead from a place of faith and obedience. She is the author of multiple devotionals and leadership tools, and serves as a monthly contributor to The Write Conversation. Contact: drkay@clearvisionleader.com www.clearvisionleader.com