There is great freedom in surrender, because when you surrender you’ve moved past the struggle and can see what’s on the other side. — Elizabeth Sims
Every writer faces weakness. Sometimes it’s a lack of words, energy, or confidence. But weakness isn’t always a curse. It can be a blessing. The apostle Paul reminds us of situation where weaknesses can actually be a source of strength (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Good weakness draws us closer to God and all he would have us write, making us rely on his strength. Bad weakness, however, convinces us to stop writing altogether.
Common Sources of Weakness
If we struggle with self-doubt, we may be pushed to pray more and press on. That’s good. But if we give in to comparing ourselves with others, we may say to ourselves, I’ll never be good enough. That’s a weakness that must be resisted.
Weaknesses come from many directions. Physically, it may be tired eyes, poor posture, or simply age. Emotionally, it may show up as discouragement, frustration, or a fading passion. Spiritually, it often hides beneath pride or fear—fear of rejection, fear of failure, or fear of not being “good enough.”
The prophet Elijah was exhausted, discouraged, and ready to quit (1 Kings 19). God restored him with food, rest, and reassurance. When we’re discouraged about our writing, we need healthy habits, encouragement from others, and above all, renewed strength from God.
Supernatural Strength
Human solutions only go so far—another cup of coffee, another motivational podcast, another “ten steps to overcome writer’s block.” But true strength comes from God, not caffeine or pep talks.
Paul said he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength (Philippians 4:13). We can be thankful for all his writings that fill so many pages of our Bibles. Each letter began with a blank page as he wrote from the heart, as the Spirit led. We too can tackle a blank page, rewrite a clumsy chapter, or finish a project—not because we’re strong but because God supplies the ability, one word at a time.
Writing is less about proving yourself and more about depending on him to shape your words.
False Weakness
Not all weakness is real. Sometimes it’s a lie we believe.
The voice says:
- “You’re not a real writer.”
- “Nobody will read this.”
- “You’ll just embarrass yourself.”
These are deceptions, not truths. God has already equipped you with gifts. Use what you have with your best effort, and you can watch that talent grow. Pretending you’re powerless when God has given you strength is dangerous because it paralyzes you.
Jesus warned against empty appearances (Matthew 15:8)—and that includes putting on a front while inwardly surrendering to fear.
The Write Perspective
Weakness that humbles us and points us back to God is valuable. It makes us pray, “Lord, help me write the words you want.” Weakness that drives us away from our writing to help others is destructive. The key is discernment: Is this weakness pulling me closer to the Source of Strength or pushing me away?
Imagine a runner leaning forward into the wind. The resistance doesn’t stop us. It builds endurance. We grow stronger when weakness drives us to lean harder into God’s guidance.
Practical Steps for Writers Facing Weakness:
- Pray before you write. Even a short prayer acknowledges your dependence.
- Take care of your body. Rest, good diet, and exercise sharpen the mind.
- Seek encouragement. Writing groups, mentors, or friends can help. Even the apostle Paul had help with his letters.
- Break writing into steps. Trust God with the next sentence, not the whole book at once.
- Reject false weakness. Replace “I can’t” with “God will help me as I keep taking the next write step.”
Weakness is not our enemy. In fact, it may be the very soil in which our strongest words will grow.
Trust God with your weakness, for he delights to turn fragile beginnings into powerful stories.
My dear storytellers, don’t be unduly alarmed by the fiery ordeals that come to test your writing ability, as if this were an abnormal experience. — 1 Peter 4:12 Scripture for Writers
Strength for the Story
You sit with your notebook, your screen shining bright.
The words won’t come, but you’re trying, all right.
Is weakness a foe? Or a friend in disguise?
With weakness, maybe the Lord will open your eyes.
Some weakness is helpful, making you go slow,
To lean on the Lord for all that you know.
When weakness whispers, “You’re not good enough,”
Don’t let it tell you that writing is too tough.
Your diet, your habits, your drive, or your age,
Can drain all the ink from the lines on your page.
But weakness of spirit is the hardest to see.
It says, “Stop creating. Don’t write. Let things be.”
“Oh no!” the critic says, the one living in your head.
“Your stories are silly. Write something else instead.”
That weakness deceives you. You’ll keep getting better.
Be encouraged in the Lord as you write every letter.
In Philippians 4:12, the apostle tells us what’s true:
Christ gives us strength for the writing we do.
Trust him for strength to cut chapters too long,
And make every scene both lean and strong.
Pretending you’re fearless when fear’s in your chest,
Will never bring words that are honest and blessed.
But weakness confessed can bring light to your pen,
And honesty shines with words read once again.
Let weakness be your helper when it pushes you near,
To the God who inspires, who whispers, “I’m here.”
But weakness that blocks you, that causes retreat,
Is not to be coddled. Never give it a seat.
Now listen, great writer, take heart and take note.
Don’t let weakness sink you. Let it keep you afloat.
For power is perfect when you’re feeling small,
And God is your Author who gives you his all.
For a practical guide to storytelling, check out Storytelling at Its Best
