Ep26 | Are You Secretly Taking Credit for God's Work in Your Writing Career?

Are you unknowingly stealing God's glory? Most Christian authors are—without even realizing it. This uncomfortable truth might be affecting your writing career more than you think.

What happens when success comes your way? Who gets the real credit in your heart? This episode exposes the subtle mindset shift that transforms not just how you view your achievements, but potentially your entire author business.

If you've ever wondered why some Christian authors experience peace regardless of sales numbers while others constantly stress about results, this message contains the missing piece.

Feeling uncertain about whether writing professionally is truly your calling?

Use my FREE 'Am I Called to Write Professionally?' discernment guide to help you clarify your writing calling! Link below! ⬇️

🔥Don’t miss the next episode, where I explore How to promote your books without it feeling pushy! Follow or Subscribe to know the moment it drops!

Transcript

You know, one of our greatest writing breakthroughs isn't about better marketing.

It's about recognizing a truth that most Christian authors miss entirely. When success finally comes, when sales spike or opportunities appear,

we naturally think our strategies are working right.

But what if that success wasn't actually about your clever tactics or perfect timing?

What if something deeper is happening?

Something that could transform your entire author journey if you recognized it?

Today, we are discovering the secret path to peace and freedom in your author business.

One that works regardless of your sales numbers.

Grab your coffee, open your heart, and let's get real about what God is doing behind the scenes of your career.

This is episode 26.

I'm Urcelia Teixeira, ex real estate agent turned award winning Christian fiction author.

When I wrote my first novel on a bucket list whim, I I had no idea it would spark a spiritual journey that would redefine my calling. But you know what, friend?

Self publishing wasn't easy. I got caught in the hustle, chasing rankings and sales while desperately trying to stay rooted in Christ.

Now, by God's grace, I'm building my author business his way. And now he's called me to help you do the same.

Welcome to the Anointed Scribe podcast with where faith meets business for Christian writers. Let's write, publish, and grow our author business God's way. Are you ready? Well then, let's get started.

Hey, it's your author friend, Urcelia, coming to you from inside my car. Today.

I'm waiting for our second born who's writing his math final. So if you're hearing trucks and birds and dogs in the background,

that's why.

Anyway, I'm here and we're doing it. And I'm so happy you tuned into the show today because today's episode is one that is super close to my heart.

And honestly, one of those pivotal elements in your walk as a Christian author where we really need to pause and do a heart check.

So if you're a subscriber and a regular listener of the show, welcome. Welcome back, friend. Thanks for joining me in my car.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing to be here every week.

I'm really so honored and blessed to go on this faithful writing journey with you. And I trust that you have already had major breakthrough in not only your writing business,

but also in your relationship with God. Because that is at the core, what matters most so that you can do the work God has called you to do. Right?

And if you're new here and this is the first time you're listening today.

Then I'd like to personally welcome you to the Anointed Scribe Tribe.

Make sure you follow the show because I know God brought you here for a reason and I'd love it if you just leaned into this opportunity to learn from how to grow your author business with God at the very center of it.

Because who knows what God has in store for you every time you tune into the show, right?

He brought you here today for a reason and we want to honour him for doing so and invite him into your business today so that he can use you and your writing in ways we can't even imagine.

Right?

And here's what I know Having gone on this journey of allowing God to completely transform my purpose and what made all the difference in not only how I show up in my writing each day, but also how I sell and market my books, how I have a peace that surpasses all understanding,

and how I know that God is at work, even if I can't always see or feel it.

To do the work God has called us to do, we have to stay rooted in our writing and our work. And if we keep turning to God and His Word for guidance and direction,

we will see the fruit of our labor. Because God promises it in Matthew 6:33,

where it says, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and all these other things will be given to you as well.

Renewing my mind with key scriptures and applying the biblical wisdom and business practices the Holy Spirit has taught me in the Word of God has made all the difference in my personal author journey.

And I would just love it if you get to experience it too.

Because honestly, I can't see myself going back to the old way of doing business ever again.

So settle in, friend, grab your coffee or tea, and let's be open to what God wants to do in and through us today. Yes,

okay, so today's topic is something really important that I believe will resonate with all of us. No matter where you are in your author journey,

whether you've just started writing your first book or maybe you are several books in,

I guarantee that this issue will show up, if it hasn't already,

at some point in your career.

So it's important to pay attention so you don't get caught in the enemy's snares, right?

In fact,

what sparked me wanting to talk about this today came on the back of a new ad campaign strategy I was trying out.

See,

it seemed to be working, at least at first glance,

and so naturally I wanted to credit the jump in sales to the ad.

But then when I went into my ads dashboard and saw that the stats weren't there to back it up. Even after waiting the recommended two weeks for the stats to pull through,

I couldn't explain the attribution or the sales numbers other than it was being divinely orchestrated because I hadn't done anything else.

Which got me thinking.

Do we give credit where credit is due?

Do we stop and properly analyze where our sales come from?

Do we recognize God's hand in our success?

You know, it's so easy to fall into the trap of self reliance in this industry,

especially when things are going well,

yet when the opposite happens and our sales are down or we are struggling with writer's block or I don't know, getting reviews,

that's often when we find ourselves on our knees right as authors when we experience success.

Maybe a book that suddenly takes off,

a marketing strategy that works brilliantly,

or a networking opportunity that falls into our lap.

It's human nature to pat ourselves on the back, isn't it?

When things are going well, our default is to say yay, my strategy worked. Or this latest breakthrough training that I invested a ton of money in made it all happen.

But who was truly behind the opportunity that just happened to land in your inbox or on your Facebook feed?

Or the financial provision to invest in the training program everyone has been talking about?

Who was it that gave you a revelation in the middle of your ad creation to, I don't know, maybe add a specific keyword that you hadn't thought of before?

Do we credit these small and big successes to the creators of those products or strategies?

Or perhaps even to our own efforts for spending hours learning and implementing them?

This misattribution of success is a symptom of our natural inclination towards self reliance and human wisdom.

And you know what?

This pattern of self reliance isn't a new phenomenon.

In fact,

it's a very human tendency that we see throughout Scripture.

But God also shows us how to avoid this self reliance depending on ourself taking all the credit for ourselves.

See if we would just turn to the Bible. The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance on entrepreneurship. It's right there in the Old Testament we see the Israelites turning to God in times of trouble,

then drifting away when life became comfortable.

We only need to look at Nehemiah for a moment. In Nehemiah 9. 5 we read this verse. It says stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.

Blessed be your glorious name and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

Now, this comes at a powerful moment in scripture.

Nehemiah had led the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, a massive undertaking.

But instead of just celebrating their accomplishment,

the leaders gathered the people to read God's word and to worship.

Their first response to success was to give credit to God.

I think there's a profound lesson here for us as authors,

because creating a book is also kind of wall building, isn't it?

We are constructing, constructing something meaningful, word by word, chapter by chapter.

It takes perseverance,

vision and hard work,

just like Nehemiah's project.

But here's where I want us to reflect today.

When your book finally launches,

when you hit that best seller list or finally land that bookbub feature deal you spent months on getting.

When readers start sending you messages about how your words changed their lives,

where does your heart go first?

Is it to pride in your own abilities, your own achievements?

Or is it to gratitude for God who gave you the talent, the message and the opportunity?

And listen, this isn't about false humility.

You absolutely worked hard,

you put in the hours,

you refined your craft, you spent hours going through training.

But as Christian authors, we must recognize that even our ability to write,

to connect with the right people,

to persevere in our daily tasks,

these are all gifts and graces from God. To begin with,

your very opportunity for which he found you worthy enough to call into writing books for his kingdom was as a result of his grace.

And side note, if you're in a place today where you are not sure if God called you to write, especially as a profession doing this on a much more serious level,

head over to the link in the show notes and download the free discernment guide that I created to help you get the answers from God. It is a four step process that draws you in with the Holy Spirit, discussing, praying, meditating on scripture,

just to actually hear from God firsthand.

This calling,

whether you are certain of it or still discerning, isn't just about your talents or determination, friend,

but about participating in God's greater purpose.

In those moments when we see our books touch lives in ways we never anticipated,

when doors open unexpectedly, or when the perfect opportunity arises at just the right time,

we are reminded that something greater than ourselves is at work.

This is why throughout Scripture, those who walked faithfully with God,

who consistently redirected praise back to God, those are often the ones that are the most fruitful.

Psalm 115:1 puts it beautifully when it says this,

not to us Lord,

not to us, but to your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness.

But here's the thing.

Inwardly acknowledging that our successes come from God is one thing,

but we have to apply this wisdom and get practical about what this means for our daily lives as authors, right?

So what does this look like in practice for us?

How do we build an author business that genuinely acknowledges God as the source of our stories and our success?

So I've been thinking about several key practices that can help us align our hearts with God.

First, begin each writing session with prayer and thanksgiving.

I believe it starts with our morning routine.

Before you open your laptop, before you check your sales numbers or reviews,

take time to center yourself in God's presence.

And I'm not talking about your personal quiet time when you bring the kids and the house stuff to God.

I'm talking about pausing and taking a quiet moment to meet with God at your desk. Before you begin your writing,

read scripture.

Ask Holy Spirit to show you how to apply it to your work.

Pray and meditate on it all day.

I've been doing this religiously, and I can tell you it has completely transformed my work.

There's something so powerful about surrendering the writing process before it even begins.

I know I quote Proverbs 16:3 often, and for good reason. Because it's not a request, it's an instruction. But it's also a promise.

Proverbs 16:3 says, Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

and he will establish your plans.

And then Jeremiah says he has plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Right?

Just let these words sit with you for a minute.

This isn't a prosperity gospel promise that every book will be a best seller.

It's a reminder that when we align our work with God's purposes, He works through us in ways that fulfil his perfect plans.

And spoiler alert,

it might look very different from what we envision.

2. Celebrate wins with gratitude First.

When good news comes,

I don't know, a great review,

sales spike,

a promotional opportunity with another author,

a bookbub feature deal,

make your first response one of thanksgiving to God before you post that celebration on social media or run to your spouse to share it,

pause and acknowledge God's hand in it.

You know, I've actually started keeping what I call a God's goodness journal specifically for my author business.

Every time something amazing happens that I know deep down wasn't just my doing, I write it down.

Over time, it's actually morphed into a bit of a prayer journal. Too. Because in the back I write down specific things I'm praying for pertaining to my author business,

ticking them off when they happen. So it becomes this beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness in my author journey.

It's visual, and when things are tough, I flip it open to remind me of what God has already done in my career. Because we forget.

If you haven't already created a similar journal, friend, I would really encourage you to start one.

Okay? The third practice involves how we think about our readers.

In the publishing industry, it's common to talk about building a platform or growing your audience.

Now, these aren't bad concepts in themselves,

but as Christian authors, we are called to view our readers differently, right?

These aren't just numbers on a subscriber list or potential book buyers.

They are people God has entrusted to us,

people who will spend hours with our words,

inviting our thoughts into their minds and hearts.

They are his flock and we are his tools in God's toolbox to be of service to his sheep.

That's an incredible privilege and responsibility,

but again,

a clear instruction to us as entrepreneurs.

Matthew 26:28 reminds us,

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

It's talking here about serving Jesus.

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom to for many,

Jesus showed us how to view people not as means to an end,

but as precious individuals made in God's image.

When we write and sell with that perspective,

our goals shift from how can I sell more books? To how can I serve these readers faithfully with my message God has given me? How can I send the message God has given me out into the world?

How can I expand my territory?

Number four is to share the credit publicly.

When you are interviewed about your book or when readers praise your work,

find authentic ways to acknowledge God's role.

Now, this isn't about tacking on a Praise God or Amen at the end of every social media post or interview question,

but about genuinely sharing the partnership you have with the Holy Spirit in your work.

Remember, succeeding as a Christian author involves both developing our craft and maintaining the right heart posture before God.

Our writing ministry demands both mental discipline and spiritual alignment.

A fifth practice that helps us build our author business, God's Way, involves how we deal with rejection and setbacks.

Because, let's be honest, this industry is full of them. It is the roller coaster of all industries, up and down all the time.

Every author faces rejection letters, disappointing sales, critical reviews, doubts,

seasons when the Words just won't come. Spiritual attacks. It's up and down all the time.

These moments test our foundations.

Do we truly believe that God is sovereign over our writing career?

Because if we did, we would be steadfast, wouldn't we?

I'm reminded of Joseph in Genesis. Talk about a man who faced setbacks. I mean,

sold by his brothers,

falsely accused,

forgotten in prison.

But Genesis 39:2 tells us the Lord was with Joseph,

so that he prospered.

Even in prison,

Joseph's attitude and faith remained steadfast because he recognized God's presence in every circumstance.

When we face our own writing wilderness,

maybe a book that doesn't sell as expected,

or a publishing deal that falls through,

we have an opportunity.

Will we grow bitter?

Will we give up?

Or will we, like Joseph, continue to serve faithfully where we are,

trusting that God is working,

even if we can't see it?

You know, I think one of the most challenging aspects of the author journey is also comparing ourselves to others.

In this age of social media,

we are constantly bombarded with other author success stories.

Their book deals, their Amazon ranking, their best seller ribbons, the glowing reviews. And some of them are so boastful about it.

But listen up, friend.

Comparison is the thief of joy, but it's also the thief of gratitude.

When we are focusing on what others have that we don't,

we miss the unique blessings God has given us.

We forget to give credit where credit is due for our own journey,

where we are in this moment.

Meaning that we should be giving credit to God for what he's done in our particular journey so far,

rather than focusing on what he appears to be doing for others and haven't done for us yet.

Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 12. So go read that in your Bible.

He talks about different gifts in the body of Christ.

Some authors are gifted storytellers and everything turns to gold.

Others excel at churning out books at the speed of light. I don't know how they do it, but they do.

Some have a knack for making social media look like a walk in the park.

But at the end of the day, we all serve a particular purpose in God's ultimate plan. And we need to trust that he knows what he's doing right.

Your writing voice,

your message, your audience,

these are specifically entrusted to you by God for this moment.

He knows what he's doing.

Embracing this truth frees us from the comparison trap and allows us to celebrate both our own success and the success of others as expressions of God's diverse gifts.

Now let's talk about how to apply giving credit to God in our marketing. I know this is what you've been holding out for because for many Christian authors there's a lot of tension here.

We want our books to reach readers, but we don't want to be self promoting or pushy. Right?

I know I struggled with this for a while because I didn't want it to come across as boasting and I didn't want to be so pushy and saying buy this book now or else, or you'll miss out on this deal if you don't act now.

Until I discovered that there's a biblical model for marketing that honors God. Yes, there is.

Look at how Paul operated in his ministry. He was strategic about where he went and who he spoke to.

He contextualized his message for different audiences too.

He wasn't afraid to tell people about his message, but his goal was always to point to Christ,

never to himself.

In Colossians 3:23 24 Paul writes this whatever you do,

work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord,

not for human masters. You're not working yet to get human approval and bestseller ribbons. You're working for the Lord,

not for human masters.

Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward,

it is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This applies to every aspect of our author business, including marketing.

When we market our books as service to God rather than self promotion, the focus shifts.

We can be excellent and strategic in our marketing while maintaining integrity and humility and giving God the glory.

So let me give you a practical example.

Let's say we have an author called Michael who writes, I don't know, Christian fantasy novels.

So instead of saying my brilliant new novel has the most unique world building you'll ever read,

buy it now.

He might say.

While praying about this story, God planted an image in my mind of a world where faith becomes visible.

I'm grateful he allowed me to explore this concept through the character of Elena, who discovers that true courage comes from trusting what seems impossible.

If you enjoy stories that weave adventure with teachers deepest spiritual truths,

the unseen kingdom might resonate with you.

Doesn't that sound better?

Notice how Michael Fictional Michael acknowledges the inspiration came from God,

focuses on the spiritual theme rather than his creativity,

and invites readers who might benefit from the message.

Rather than demanding everyone buy his book,

he's still effectively marketing his book,

but with a heart that recognizes God as the ultimate creative source.

Michael's approach shows us that effective marketing doesn't require us to choose between success and giving glory to God. We can do both simultaneously when our hearts aligned with his purpose.

When we position our books as vessels for God's work rather than monuments to our creativity,

we maintain both integrity and our effectiveness.

This hard posture of giving credit where credit is due transforms every aspect of our author journey.

It changes how we write,

how we market,

who we writing to, or for,

how we celebrate wins, and even how we process our disappointments.

It relieves the pressure of feeling like everything depends on us,

and instead it invites us to rest in the knowledge we are participating in God's work, not the other way around.

The beautiful paradox is that when we stop grasping for control and recognition,

we often experience greater freedom,

joy and even success in our writing ministry.

Not because we've mastered some formula, but because we've aligned ourselves with God's design.

We become channels for his message rather than owners of it.

Now, as we begin to wrap up our conversation today, I want to return to that verse from Nehemiah where the leaders called to the people and said,

stand up and praise the Lord your God.

What would it look like if we began and ended each writing day this way?

If our response to a book contract was praise regardless of the outcome?

If our reaction to a good review was gratitude to God?

If our reaction to a poor review was gratitude as well?

If our answer to disappointing sales was trusting in his purposes?

Giving credit where credit is due isn't just a nice spiritual practice either. It is transformative.

It aligns our hearts with truth.

1 Chronicles 29:11 reminds us, Yours, Lord,

is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

I want to challenge us today, myself included, to make this a core practice in our author businesses.

Not as a formula or a religious box to check,

but as a genuine heart posture that transforms how we approach every aspect of our work.

Here's what I believe with all my heart.

When we truly acknowledge God as our source,

it frees us from the exhausting pressure of self reliance thinking it's all up to us to sell more books.

We no longer have to figure everything out on our own or stress when things don't go according to plan.

We can rest in the knowledge that the ultimate responsibility for the impact of our words belongs to Him.

And here's the divine twist.

This surrender often leads to greater fruitfulness.

When we are no longer striving in our own strength,

we make space for God to work in unexpected ways.

We become more sensitive to his leading more open to creative inspiration and more aligned with his purposes and plans.

Create space for silence and scripture before you write. Even 15 minutes can center your heart and remind you who you are really writing for.

This isn't just another task on your to do list,

it's the foundation that transforms your writing from a career into a calling.

Then find accountability.

Connect with other faith driven authors who will remind you of these truths when you forget them.

Whether you're feeling discouraged by slow growth or tempted to take credit for success,

join communities like maybe our Anointed Scribe Tribe on Facebook where you can find support from others who understand your journey.

Make it a habit to practice gratitude daily.

Keep a journal of God moments in your author journey the encouragement that came at just the right time the idea that seemed to arrive from nowhere the reader message that confirmed you are on the right path the bookbub deal that suddenly landed in your lap after seven times that you've tried.

When you acknowledge God's hand in even the smallest details, it becomes easier to give him credit for the bigger breakthroughs.

Take time to regularly review your definition of success.

Ask yourself,

am I measuring success the way God does?

Or have I adopted the world's metrics?

Remember that kingdom success often looks different from worldly success.

It's measured in faithfulness, impact and obedience rather than rankings and followers or sales.

Now, if you want to go deeper with this topic, go Back to episode 12.

I recorded an entire episode on what God's definition of success looks like.

Finally, remember that faithfulness matters more than results.

God doesn't call us to be best selling authors. He calls us to be faithful stewards of the message and gifts he's given us.

The orange tags, awards and abundance are by products distributed in in his timing and by his grace.

Your obedience in the writing process honours him regardless of the outcome.

As we close today, I want to encourage you that God sees your faithful work.

The hours at the keyboard when inspiration is lacking,

the revisions that feel endless,

the marketing efforts that take you out of your comfort zone or that never land where it's supposed to land.

The rejections that test your resolve. God sees you.

None of this is wasted, friend.

Second Corinthians 15:58 promises us says therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.

Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Isn't that what we ultimately want as Christian authors?

Not just worldly success,

but the deep satisfaction of knowing we are fulfilling our divine calling of seeing God use our words to touch hearts and change lives.

Your writing matters to God,

and as you continue to give him credit for every success,

every open door, every life touched by your words,

you'll find that your author business becomes more than a career. It becomes a calling, a ministry, a testimony to his faithfulness.

I believe in the book God has called you to write, friend.

I believe in the message he's placed on your heart.

And I believe that as you acknowledge him as your source,

he will use your words in ways that exceed your wildest expectations.

Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us.

Let's claim that promise over our author journeys today.

Let's give him credit for everything he does in and through us.

Thank you for joining me today. If this message resonated with you,

would you do me a favor and share this episode with another Christian author who might need this reminder?

And if you haven't already, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review.

It helps other Christian authors find us and I really,

really want them to be free from all the striving and the hustling and the pressure that comes with this industry.

So until next week, keep writing for his glory and remember, you are not doing this alone.

The Author of Life Himself is writing through you.

And don't forget to download your free discernment guide and join our tribe of faith driven authors.

So until next time, keep writing with purpose.

Keep building your author business God's way because for such a time as this you have been called to thrive as God's Anointed Scribe Friend. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of the Anointed Scribe Podcast.

I would love, love, love to know what resonated most with you today. So do let me know by leaving a review in the show description please.

And if you want want more biblical strategies and spirit led wisdom on how to build your author business God's Way.

Make sure you like or subscribe to the show so you can get regular updates of all the new episodes the moment they drop.

Then head on over to anointed scribe.com for today's show notes and a link to sign up to my newsletter which will also give you free access to all the resources I personally use to help me in my writing life.

If you want to continue discussions on today's episode or just want to connect with me directly, I love if you join the Anointed scribe tribe. You'll find the link to my private Facebook group in the show description.

So, friend, I hope that you are leaving feeling inspired,

encouraged and on fire to step boldly into your calling as a writer,

chosen and set apart to fulfill a unique purpose and in God's plan.

I look forward to our next episode together.

And remember, for such a time as this, you have been called to thrive as God's anointed scribe.