No Such Thing as Writer's Block From God's Perspective

Whenever I'm about to start a new writing project, no matter how excited I am, or sure that it's a great idea, I am beset with insecurities.

For example, this week I decided that a six-week Bible study of Ephesians would be my next Christian living book. I'd been praying and seeking inspiration for a book idea for the last six months, but nothing sparked my imagination so strongly that I knew its excitement would stay with me through the long hours required to bring a book into existence. 

Although I think of myself as a writer of women's novels, my faith is such a central part of who I am that it seemed only natural to write about it as well. For me,  writing is an endless conversation with readers. 

In matters of faith, writing about my walk with God, my fears, my doubts, my wonder of His Love, my frustration with waiting for answers to prayers, are ways for me to share what I believe we all experience. In sharing my experience, I hope to let you know that you are not alone.

Which is why I was so excited this week when I finally had that 'aha!' feeling while reading through the Bible book of Ephesians. It's only six chapters, and I've been reading just one chapter a day so that I can really savor the wisdom that I'm finding in every verse. 

And that's when it happened. 

All of a sudden I realized that I wanted to write about the wonderful promises and truths about God's love for us that I've found in Ephesians. 

I was so excited, I got up from where I was reading, went to my computer, opened a new document and typed out chapter headings. My prayer for inspiration had finally been answered, I couldn't wait to get started!

And then I froze. The negative thoughts flooded my mind ...

Who are you to write a Bible study?

You're not qualified.

You're not talented.

You're certainly not holy.

You better leave this subject to someone better than you.

I was crushed. My heart said yes, my mind said no. What was I going to do? Oh, I knew I'd eventually work through it, I know that writer's block is just another word for fear. And the best way to overcome a fear of something is simply to go ahead and do it, work your way right through the fear and watch it fall away.

But, I longed for a word of encouragement.

Which is exactly what I found the next day as I was doing my devotions and read the following passage in Oswald Chamber's classic, My Utmost for His Highest:

God does not ask us to do the things that are easy to us naturally; 

He only asks us to do the things we are perfectly fitted to do by His grace...

I can honestly say that as soon as I read those words, the fear left, the excitement returned, and I knew everything was going to be okay. I will write this Bible study to the best of my abilities and God will be with me every step of the way.

I believe this is the approach we can take toward any challenge we face in life: if God is for us, we can be confident that He will give us the strength, perseverance, and resources we need to accomplish His Purpose.

I'd love to hear your thoughts or experience on this topic, please leave me a comment!

Love xo,
Suzanne