by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

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’ve consistently wondered if I could do it.

Self-doubt likes to whisper joy-stealing, fear-fueled lies into our lives. Have you heard them?

You can’t write this book.

No one will want to publish your writing.

You’ll never be 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.

1. Who am I to do this? (Exodus 3:11)
2. Who are You if they should ask me? (Exodus 3:13)
3. Suppose they won’t listen? (Exodus 4:1)
4. I’m not eloquent. (Exodus 4:10)
5. Please send someone else! (Exodus 4:13)

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 the doubts and questions we have as writers.

Here’s what Moses’ list would sound like coming from a writer and what God might say in response to it.

1. Who am I? I’m not a natural writer. … I will be with you. I have called you to write and will teach you.
2. Will anyone want to listen? … If I have called you, I will use your words to bless others.
3. Will I ever have a way to be heard? … I will provide an avenue for that to happen.
4. I’m not eloquent! … I will be with your pen (or keyboard) and guide you.
5. 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.

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 are great ways to stay connected, no matter where we live, and to encourage each other in the writing journey. It’s a blessing when we can belong to a local writers group and receive encouragement and feedback from them. And seek to encourage them as well.

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.

What self-doubt do you need to turn into God-confidence today? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. Her first compilation, Breaking the Chains, won a 2018 Selah finalist award. Her second compilation, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character, released this summer. Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, PursueMagazine.net, two blogs on writing, in online magazines, and on devotional blogs.

Katy loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best peanut butter cookies.

Connect with Katy at her blog and on Facebook and Twitter.