Stop Waiting—You’re Already in the Story
By Eric Myers | Soul of a Writer | April 3, 2026
I’ve met so many writers—both in ministry and in my editing work—who tell me they’re waiting to start the novel God placed on their hearts. They’re just waiting for the right time... when work slows down, when inspiration hits, when the kids are grown, when they feel more “qualified.”
The problem is, that perfect moment doesn’t exist.
And I say that not as a critic—but as someone who spent too many years on the sidelines myself.
It’s time to stop waiting and start participating in the life, and the calling, God already gave you.
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2
The Illusion of “Someday”
When I was pastoring in eastern North Carolina, I met people every week who said the same thing about faith that many writers say about writing: “One day, I’ll do more. One day, I’ll get serious.”
One man meant to start teaching Sunday School. A woman planned to volunteer for the food ministry “once things slowed down.” Both had good hearts. But months passed, and the “one day” never came.
Writers are no different. We tell ourselves we’ll start the novel when life becomes easier or our confidence improves. We live like spectators—watching others share their stories while keeping ours locked inside.
But here’s the hard truth: life doesn’t wait for your schedule to clear.
The story has already begun. You’re in it.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12
Every sunrise is an invitation to participate.
The Church Basement Lesson
Early in my ministry, our small congregation faced a financial crisis. The building needed major repairs, and we didn’t have enough money even to begin fundraising. I remember sitting in the fellowship hall one night, praying for a sign.
I kept waiting for the “right conditions.” But the Spirit whispered back, Start where you are.
So we did.
We hosted pancake breakfasts. We mailed letters. Volunteers showed up with hammers, paint, and determination. It took months—but the sanctuary stood restored.
That experience changed me. I realized waiting for perfect conditions is often disobedience disguised as patience.
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” — Ecclesiastes 11:4
Writers, don’t wait for the winds to calm. Plant your words anyway.
The Fiction Writer’s Trap
I can’t count how many aspiring authors have told me,
“I’ve been thinking about this book for ten years.”
And they’re sincere. They carry scenes in their heads like prayers. But thinking about a book doesn’t make it real. Starting—risking—is what brings it into being.
When you stall too long, your “future perfect self” becomes an idol. You imagine a version of you who’s confident, organized, and entirely ready to write. That version isn’t real—and never will be.
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” — Proverbs 27:1
God doesn’t bless imaginary tomorrows. He blesses obedient todays.
Comparison Steals Courage
I used to scroll through other pastors’ successes—bigger churches, better sermons, wider influence—and wonder why I wasn’t there yet. The same thing happens with writers every day online.
You see others publishing books, landing agents, speaking on panels, while you’re just outlining chapter one. But here’s what comparison forgets: every finished story began as an awkward first draft.
No one posts the late-night rewrites, the failed plots, the prayers whispered over a blank page.
What you see is the edited version.
“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” — Proverbs 14:10
Your progress may never look like theirs, and that’s okay. You’re called to faithfulness, not performance.
The Real Obstacle
When I was in therapy during a particularly tough season of burnout, my counselor said something that stuck:
“Eric, what’s in the way might be the way.”
I didn’t like that at all. She was right.
I had built safe routines—good ones!—but they kept me from risk. From growth. From courage.
For years, my “block” wasn’t lack of time or resources; it was fear.
Writers face the same inner resistance. You’ll call it being realistic or responsible, but underneath it’s fear of failing, fear of being seen, fear of imperfection.
Yet when Jesus called Peter to walk on the water, He didn’t wait until the waves were still. He said “Come.”
Peter still had to step.
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” — Matthew 14:27
Participation Is the Point
I once told my congregation, “You can study faith forever and still not have any if you never step out.” The same goes for writing.
Observation is safe—but it never changes you. Participation does.
Write the messy first chapter. Join the critique group. Send the query email. Let someone read your imperfect story.
God doesn’t call you to polish the story into perfection before sharing it. He calls you to begin.
Your calling is not to craft a flawless manuscript; it’s to show up with faith in the middle of your doubts.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” — Ecclesiastes 9:10
My Challenge to You
If you’ve been waiting—weeks, years, or decades—to start writing the story on your heart, here’s your moment.
Grab a notebook, pray a simple prayer:
“Lord, help me take part in the life You’ve already written for me.”
And then, write one sentence. It doesn’t have to be profound. Just real.
You’re not waiting for permission. You already have it.
You’re not waiting for the story to start. It’s in progress.
You’re not on the sidelines. You’re in the scene.
So stop watching from the distance, waiting for someone else to go first.
Pick up your pen, join the story, and start participating in the life—and the calling—God’s been writing through you all along.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1
Eric Myers
Founder of Soul of a Writer — helping Christian authors turn calling into craft, and courage into story.