You Are a Writer — Fan the Flame
“Hi, I’m a writer.”
Then comes that question: “Oh cool! What have you written?”
Cue the awkward pause, the sudden interest in your fingernails, and the internal spiral of self-doubt.
Sound familiar? Me too.
But here’s the truth: You are a writer, not because of a bestseller, a book deal, or a blue check mark — but because God planted that gift in you. And He’s not done with it yet.
Paul’s words to Timothy have carried me through these uncomfortable moments:
“I remember your genuine faith … This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you … For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:5-7, NLT).
This calling — to write, to share the Gospel through words — isn’t a side gig or an afterthought. It’s a holy pursuit. But just like fire, it needs tending. It needs oxygen. It needs us to show up.
So what does that look like for us faith-filled, often insecure, sometimes trembling writers?
1. Pray for Boldness, Not Bravery.
We’re not asked to fake confidence. We’re invited to pray for Spirit-filled boldness — the kind that comes from knowing who sends us, not who sees us (Acts 4:31).
2. Pursue His Presence Over Position.
Your worth isn’t tied to platform or publishing status. Let your words flow from the overflow of time spent with Jesus — the Living Word and the written one.
3. Be Patient With the Process.
God isn’t late. He’s loving. Sometimes the waiting is His mercy, making sure your character can carry the calling. You’re not missing it. You’re being made for it
Friends, we did not stumble into writing. We were entrusted with it. That urge to put words to pain, joy, and truth? That’s divine design. But Paul reminds us that even God-given gifts need intentional care. Think of our writing like a fire — it can warm hearts, light paths, and even refine lives. But if left alone, it dims. We can’t expect to burn bright if we never tend the flame. You don’t need to write a book today. Just show up. One spark at a time.
The next time someone asks, “What have you written?” — look them in the eye and say, “Words that God’s given me. And I’m just getting started!” You don’t need a title to walk boldly in your calling. Fan the flame. Write the words. Trust the Giver of the gift.
Blessings,
Kelly Kirby Worley
What’s one fear or insecurity that holds you back from owning your identity as a writer? Share in the comments. We can’t wait to hear from you!
These words spoke directly to my core! Thank you. The fear that holds me back is hurting others who are also a part of my story. How do you protect them while pursuing God’s will for your own testimony?
Great question, Angela. I follow Lysa’s advice given at a She Speaks Conference a few years ago. Naming people doesn’t add to our story and their involvement is not our story to tell. We can expose our pain, not details but the basics of experience.
One fear I wrestle with is that my story is “too messy” — that the trauma and mental illness parts of my journey will make people pull back instead of lean in. It can make me second-guess whether God really wants to use my words. But I’m learning that He’s the One who called me a writer, and He doesn’t waste a single part of my story. My job is to keep showing up and trust Him with the rest.
That’s a common one, I struggle with that too but the messier the story, the more glory for God:)
Thank you, Kelly. This was a word in due time. When I get no feedback, I wonder if I’m making any kind of impact at all. My job is to just walk boldly and faithfully fan this flame and let God use it as He desires. Blessings By Faith, 🙏✝️❤️
Amen, friend. We share and leave the delivery and impact in God’s hands.
Thank you! This really ministered to me, and I am encouraged to press on and fan the flame!
I am so glad to know you were encouraged!
Right on time! God always knows what we need and when we need it. I needed THIS today! Discouragement is often what gets in my way, and finding my way back to disciplined dedication needs the life-giving encouragement that I found in todays training blog. Thank you!
I’m so glad the timing was perfect and the message what you needed to hear, my friend:)
Ooh. Loved this so much. Great encouragement as I currently don’t have a book, a devotional written, or even a blog online. And knowing I’ve been called to write, but feeling the expectations everyone has about what a “real writer” looks like keeps me from stating that I am a writer. As often I feel like I have to have all the things in line, or be in a “perfect” state or place to call myself a writer. Or even feel like I should be farther along in the healing process or more spiritual in order to write anything that will encourage and impact others-and so I often fall prey to the lie that I have to “have it all together” before I try to share what I’ve written. But this reminds me that the LORD uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
Your post echo my exact feelings!
You aren’t alone my friend. We’re all in this together!
Yes, He does, my friend. A wise friend once shared these words with me when I was telling her that I hadn’t written anything yet. “Every word you’ve written in your journals and quiet time counts. One day, that will be your book if that is what you choose to publish.” I loved that so much, hope it blesses you too.
This is really special. Thank you for sharing this. I especially love the Acts reference to boldness!
Kim, thank you for letting me know you were encouraged. I love the Act’s verse too! I actually have it taped to my bathroom mirror as a daily reminder:)