Don’t Let the Doubt Stop You
by Tracie Miles
Throughout the entire writer’s conference, I’d learned a great deal about various types of writing. By the last day, I felt tired and ready to go home, but one remaining breakout session still called my name: “Christian Writing.” I sat toward the back of the room and took notes. After her presentation, the speaker asked if anyone had questions, and I hesitantly raised my hand. I confessed that I didn’t have a Christian education like a pastor and didn’t work at a church, so I questioned my qualifications to write about Christian topics.
She told me that, assuming I was not writing for academia, the lack of a specific Christian degree should not get in the way of writing spiritual pieces. Then she looked directly at me and with great conviction said, “Stop doubting yourself.” Her words stunned me. The speaker didn’t know me, and she’d never read my writing, but it felt like she’d looked right into my heart. I’ve always doubted myself with respect to my writing. But when it comes to writing about spiritual ideas, the feeling that I’m a fraud is monumental. Why would God call me, of all people, to write on His behalf?
Then again, God has gifted each of us with particular gifts that we can use to help others grow spiritually and experience God in deeper ways. Some people thrive at fundraising, others at teaching, while some excel at hospitality and encouraging others. The Bible uses the imagery of the body to demonstrate how we are all different but each necessary for the body of Christ to act. (1 Corinthians 12:15-20) We do not perform the same functions, but every person must band together to accomplish God’s work. If we all use our particular talents for God’s glory, then God’s kingdom here on earth becomes stronger.
When I start doubting myself, I often think back to that moment at the writing conference. The speaker’s words served as a call to action and a balm to my spirit, and they can be for you as well. If you feel called to write for God, then do it. Your writing will help you grow closer to God and may end up helping others in turn. Don’t allow the thought that “you’re not good enough” to stop you from following God’s calling.
I’ll give you the same valuable advice the teacher shared with me: Stop doubting yourself. And stop doubting God in the process.
Once we do that, the difference it makes in our lives and our obedience to God is life changing.
Written by Tina Riley Carter, COMPEL Training Member
Tracie Miles
Tracie Miles has been the Director of COMPEL Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries since January 2017. She is also the author of seven bestselling books, including Living Unbroken, Love Life Again, Unsinkable Faith, Stress Less Living and Your Life Still Counts. She is the founder of the national Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Program. Tracie is also a contributing author to the popular Zondervan NIV Women's Devotional Bible and a monthly contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Encouragement for Today daily devotions, which reach over 4.5 million people per day around the globe. Tracie has three grown children and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can connect with Tracie on her blog at www.traciemiles.com, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and her popular “Surviving Divorce” Facebook group.
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