Last week, I wrote about not having enough time to write and how we need to make time, not find time.
But what else is holding you back from pursuing your dream whether it be writing or something else God has put on your heart?
When I think back on my own writing journey, I remember some of the reasons I had for not jumping into this writing thing:
I’m too old.
It’s too hard.
It takes too much time.
I don’t have any talent.
Nobody will want to read what I write.
I’ve failed at so many other things, what makes me think I can succeed at this?
When I examined these excuses, I found the fundamental thing holding me back was fear. Fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of embarrassment, and ultimately, fear of failure.
Then God grabbed me by my spiritual ear and reminded me of His promises. He gave me the desire to write and He would help me carry it out. Among His reminders: He wouldn’t give me an assignment without also giving me the means to fulfill it; His grace and protection would surround me; He opens doors and gives me favor. And He did. He led me to the Christian Writers Guild and North Texas Christian Writers as I followed His plan one step at a time as He revealed it.
Recently, I came across some other examples of people who wouldn’t be held back.
Leo Tolstoy wrote War and Peace while living in a small house with his wife and thirteen children.
J. K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel was rejected by twelve publishers and she was on the dole.
Walt Disney was a failed, bankrupt, small-time ad man before Mickey Mouse happened.
Abraham Lincoln faced bankruptcy and numerous election defeats before he became our sixteenth president.
So, what’s holding you back from your dream? Time? We dealt with that last week. Fear? God tells us He will give us the desires of our heart and to “Fear not.” Read the story of Jairus (Luke 8:40-56).
Pray and seek God’s plan and wisdom and direction.
Take that first step and see where it leads.
As you know, developing that thick skin takes time and maturity. You’ve overcome a lot to do what God gifted you to do. Thanks for the wise counsel and the encouragement. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Henry, you have hit the center of my heart. If I don’t finish this book, if I don’t send it out, if I don’t try–I can’t be rejected.
It’s hard to force yourself to do the thing you need to do. I’m glad I’m in good company! I’m not the only insecure writer out there.
Thank you, Tom. I appreciate your kind words.
No, you’re not but overdoming the insecurity — the lies Satan whispers in our ears — is a key step on the journey.
Go for it! Risk rejection because it’s much better to hear, “Well done, my good anf faithful servant.”
It’s a lot easier for me to write in my journal or prepare my Bible study lesson for teaching than to work on “writing”. So in addition to fear, I am good at planning to write after I finish everything else. Which means-I never get around to writing.
Hi Henry,
Appreciate the good word. I am probably starting this journey at a later age than you did and relate to a lot of the same things. I feel like I have some things that I need to write. I am in my last week of YWAM Woodcrest’s School of Writing. It has been a great experience and I feel better equipped now than 90 days ago. So now it’s time to step out and do it, no excuses.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for sharing and congratulations on completing the writing school. And you’re right about no excuses. Like the old Nike ad: “Just do it.”
If God has called you to write, committ the journey to Him and step out in obedience and faith that He will guide you.
Blessings
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your comments. I agree with you on email and Facebook. I check email and Facebook when I break for lunch and again at the end of my writing day. I use Outlook and I turned off that annoying pop-up that tells you have mail. I did that even when I worked an outside job. A great time management technique.
And you’re right about planning to write, too. I fell into that as well. I now time myself. My first writing task of the day is 30 minutes on my blog. After that, it’s time for the novel until I reach my word goal for the day.
Blessings on you and your writing.
You know, Ive had these similar struggles for years, writing and dumping, thinking of the mistakes I’ve made in the past.
But niw, I see God telling me to go ahead and start up what He has placed in my hands. That He is able to help me when I trust in Him, and have a willing heart to trust Him and come to do the work He has for me.
Especially in my writing career, to kick off without fear!
Hi Joshua,
You are so right. God gives us the desires of our hearts and he gives the grace and favor to fufill them. We give Him our obedience, diligence and faith and He responds every time with new insights in what to write and how to write it.
The key is trusting him.
Blessings as you continue your journey in Him.
thanks, God bless you too.