Called to be a Writer: How to Know For Sure

“I’m going to be a writer one day.”

“I’m going to write a book and get rich.”

“Writing’s easy. I think I’ll become an author.”

Oh, how many times have I heard people tell me such things! Throughout my long writing career, that’s for sure. Well, that’s great. But once I start explaining all the work that goes into it most, but not all of them, back away. At other times when people tell me they want to become a writer, I just nod and smile unless they ask for advice. Why? Because I’m waiting to see how serious they are, to see if God has truly called them.

Let’s face it. Writing professionally isn’t for the fainthearted, nor is it for the lonely. Like any ministry, if a person isn’t called to write, I don’t recommend doing it. I wouldn’t recommend myself to be a choir director, either, because frogs sing better than I do.

Do you feel called to be a writer? Here are three things to consider to help you know for sure:

.Psalm 37: 4  “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (KJV)

This verse doesn’t mean we can desire anything and the Lord will give it. Rather, it means that if we delight in Him and put Him first in our lives, He’ll put His desires in our heart. So, if we follow this pattern, delighting in God first, and if He’s called us to be a writer, He’ll plant that literary dream within us. It will grow into a passion, and the passion will become so strong we’ll refuse to quit no matter what or who may try to hinder us.

John 10:10   “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I   am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more   abundantly.” (KJV)

Our Lord and Savior has called us to an abundant life, one that overflows with joy and fulfillment. If we’re called, we’ll experience that joy while we write. Like Eric Liddell said in the movie Chariots of Fire: he felt God’s pleasure when he ran. If we’re called to write, we’ll also feel God’s pleasure.

1 Samuel 17:35 “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this  uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the  armies of the living God.” (KJV)

Before David accepted Goliath’s challenge, God had prepared him by teaching him how to fight lions and bears. Likewise, God prepares us for whatever He’s called us to do. Just as He enabled David to kill Goliath, so He’ll enable called writers to succeed. Not fame and fortune, necessarily. Few writers have this. But they will reach the skill level where they can sell their work. It may not happen overnight, and usually doesn’t, but through hard work and study (preparation), and a little bit of talent, God will bring on and bless the bylines.

Has God called you to be a writer? If so, never quit pursuing your dream.