Letting Doubt Die: Choosing Faith in Your Writing Journey

Welcome, friend. If this is your first time visiting, I’m Desiree—host of Heart for Creatives. It’s my joy to steward female Christian authors like you to embrace God’s rhythms of grace and rediscover the joy of co-writing with Him.

Here on the blog (and podcast), we explore what it means to align your creative process with your faith, build a sustainable writing career, and experience true peace and fulfillment in your calling. So if you’re ready to leave burnout behind and lean into a grace-filled writing journey, let’s dive into today’s heart chat.

The Power of Imagination—For Better or Worse

As authors, our imaginations are one of our greatest gifts. When cultivated with care, they can be mighty tools in our creative process. But when influenced by fear or doubt, our imaginations can also become breeding grounds for worst-case scenarios.

Sound familiar?

I’ll be honest: I’ve let doubt take over my imagination more than I’d like to admit. But recently, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart:

“Let your doubt die. And stop resuscitating it.”

Yikes! Talk about swift conviction—but beautiful clarity. Here’s how that truth applies to us as writers.

John the Baptist—Doubt or Disappointment?

Not long ago, I found myself in Luke 7 and was struck by a moment in John the Baptist’s life:

“Are you the coming One, or do we look for another?” — Luke 7:19

John had spent his entire life preparing the way for Jesus. He knew Jesus was the Messiah. So why the sudden doubt?

He had heard the reports—Jesus was healing the sick, raising the dead, preaching the good news. But maybe John expected something more. Maybe he thought he’d witness the fulfillment of every prophecy with his own eyes: deliverance from oppression, justice for the nation, political freedom.

And when that didn’t happen in the way he imagined, could despondency have crept in?

Jesus’ Response: A Lesson in Grace and Truth

Here’s the beautiful part—Jesus didn’t shame John. Instead, He pointed to what was being fulfilled:

• The blind received sight
• The lame walked
• The deaf heard
• The dead were raised
• The poor received the gospel

Jesus reminded them that the promises were being fulfilled—just not in the way they had expected.

And that, my friend, is often where our doubt begins too.

When Doubt Colors Our Calling

As creatives, we often fill in the blanks when things aren’t unfolding like we hoped:

• “Maybe I misunderstood God’s call.”
• “Maybe I’m not talented enough.”
• “Maybe I’m not supposed to do this after all.”

Before long, we’re viewing our purpose through the lens of fear rather than faith.

I know—I’ve been there. I’ve delayed projects, doubted divine opportunities, and justified every reason why I wasn’t thriving. And it all came down to this:

I was feeding my doubt more than I was feeding my faith.

So How Do We Let Doubt Die?

Here are three intentional steps to help silence doubt and strengthen your faith walk as a writer:

1. Choose Daily to Believe God at His Word

“Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?” —John 11:40

When despair feels louder than hope, cling to what God has said. Let His promises be the final word—not your fears, not your imagination, not your past.

This is a daily (sometimes hourly!) decision. But the Holy Spirit is with you in it. You’re not walking this out alone.

2. Tune Out the Voice of the Flesh

Sure, we know not to listen to the enemy’s lies. But what about our own voice?

Your inner critic might be louder than any external opposition. But remember, God’s truth doesn’t waver based on how you feel today. Speak His promises over yourself until they drown out your doubt.

Cling to what God speaks and refuse to be moved from His truth.

3. Do the Hard Thing God Asked You to Do

Obedience strengthens your spirit.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me.” —John 4:34

When we walk in faith and act on what God asks—even if it’s scary or unclear—it builds endurance in our souls and deepens our trust in Him.

Keep Choosing Jesus

You have to want to walk by faith. You have to choose it, over and over again.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” —2 Corinthians 5:7

“The Word is not a futile thing. It is your life.” —Deuteronomy 32:47

If things aren’t falling into place like you expected, trust that God is still working. Your story isn’t over yet.

Final Encouragement

If today’s message resonated with you, I encourage you to bring it before the Lord. Let the Holy Spirit minister to your heart when you enter that intimate place of prayer.

And if you know a fellow writer who’s wrestling with doubt, would you share this post (or the episode) with them? You never know how deeply it might encourage someone else.

Until next time—

May the Lord guide your steps and awaken you to the wonders found only in Him.

God bless, and happy writing.

—Desiree