How Do You Know You’re Called to Write?

Are you wondering if you’re called to write?

When I first thought about writing as a ministry, I wondered if this is what God was calling me to do. What did a calling feel like? What thoughts was I supposed to have? How would I know for sure? What sign would God give me?

You, too, might have these questions about a calling, especially as you get started. I’ll share my experiences of a calling but know that a calling from God is as unique as each of us.

Natural inclination

I used to think a calling from God would be a mystical experience. A calling seemed like something for the super-spiritual people.

But that’s not what it was for me. To start off, a call to writing just felt like something I liked to do. For years I wrote in my journal several times a week, finding it was my go-to method for processing my thoughts and recording my conversations with the Lord.

Writing in my journal was satisfying. Also, reading books is still one of my greatest loves. Even though I hadn’t been thinking my whole life about writing a book, words were still a huge happy part of my life. So a calling should bring some sense of satisfaction or fulfillment.

Signs of fruit

I realized I liked sharing with others, encouraging and challenging them. I was willing to be vulnerable and noted that when I was, others opened up, too, and were encouraged to turn to Jesus in obedience. I loved this feeling. It was rewarding. I didn’t mind being vulnerable if it helped someone.

So a second sign of a calling might be its effectiveness.

Eventually, I began to teach Bible studies at my church. And then I began to think that if I could talk about following God, then could I write about the topics I was teaching about?

So I took the next step of obedience, and I began a blog. I continued to get positive feedback and saw how my blog was ministering to others.

 

Keep seeking the Lord

I kept praying and seeking God when I found this treasure in God’s Word in Deuteronomy 2: 3:

“’You have circled this mountain long enough; now turn north.’”

And then verse seven, “’ The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.’”

This was a divine moment like I hadn’t had in a long time. You see, I was FORTY years old (did you see that word FORTY in that verse?!) when I started considering writing as a calling, and I had been circling the mountain for about a year trying to get over my doubt.

This verse propelled me to take the next step. Maybe it will do the same for you. Have you, too, been circling the mountain of fear, doubt, or insecurity? Is it time to turn north toward your calling?

So as we end today, consider your calling to write. I’d say that if you’re even wrestling with the question, AND you’re seeking Jesus, there’s a good chance you are called to write.

Take a step – just the next step. Here are a few ideas. 

• Contact me about writing coaching or editing. I will give you a free 15-minute consultation. Even if you don’t know which direction you want to go, I can help you figure that out.

 

• Ask me to evaluate a short piece for just $79 for up to 1500 words. (click here for a description of my writing services) Sometimes you just need feedback from someone else. In fact, I think some kind of feedback is crucial early on. Yes, friends and family can give you feedback. But if you’re getting serious about this writing stuff, you need someone more qualified to give feedback.

 

• Start writing! Put writing time on your calendar, even it’s only 15 minutes or a 250-word count goal.

I’d love your thoughts about how to know if you’re called to write. And I’d love to know what your “next step” is.

~ Melanie