(This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are my own)
You’ve done it! You’ve taken that giant leap of faith and started blogging about your faith in Christ. Your blog has been established among your peers and you may have even made some connections. All of a sudden, reality sets in about how much actually goes into blogging. Everything may have started off smoothly but now you are faced with roadblocks that threaten to deter you. Don’t be discouraged for you are definitely not alone. Can I just give you a hug right now and tell you that I’ve been there? Let’s get through these issues together…
Powered by Creative Market
5 Roadblocks in Christian Blogging
-
Spiritual Warfare –
Please do not be surprised when it feels as if everything is going wrong. Our adversary HATES what you do and will try anything he can to put an end to God’s work. Perhaps you are getting hit financially, medically, and emotionally. Relationships are falling apart at the seams and you have no idea why. There are spiritual forces at play here and you will do good to put on your armor and pray for strength. The devil does not play fair and he will hit you where it hurts.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
Grab Carmen Brown’s eBook “By His Grace We Blog”
To encourage you on your blogging journey
-
Lack of Time with Jesus –
There is so much to be done in the blogging world. You have content to write, there are newsletters to send, and there is social media to keep up with. It can be so tempting to put off our alone time with the Lord to squeeze something else in. The truth is that the enemy is jumping for joy when we do this. He doesn’t want us to be spiritually fed and geared up for our fight. He’d rather have us relying on our fickle feelings so that we can start doubting what it is we are supposed to do. Without His word guiding us we are bound to make wrong turns. In order to know where we are headed we need Him holding our hand every step of the way.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalms 119:105 NLT
-
Overwhelm –
You may begin to feel like you are being bombarded with information and suddenly it feels as if there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. Slowly but surely, you are starting to feel overwhelmed. It’s easy to feel like you aren’t doing enough and that you should be doing more because everything out there is saying you should jump on their bandwagon. I get it and I’ve fallen victim to it. The truth is that it’s easy to get your priorities mixed up when you are in this state. Remember to hold onto what is true and right. God first. Family second. Let’s break this down a bit…
– You should be praying on each decision that you make with your blog including which courses to take, which strategies you implement, etc. There is nothing to big or small for the Lord and He will give you the wisdom you need to make the correct choices instead of making too many all at once. You’ll also be wise to pray about what you should be saying yes to so that you are not adding too much to your plate.
– Your obligations to your family should not be playing second to your blog. For example, the dishes are stacking and laundry is piling up. Your to-do list is beginning to burden you. Which choice do you make? Do you blog for an hour or do you use that hour to take care of responsibilities at home? I assure you, that if you choose blogging the overwhelming feeling will just keep piling up till there’s no where to go but down.
As you continue to make wise decisions with your time you will find that the overwhelming feeling will lessen. The Lord promises to lessen our loads so no better reason to bring everything to His feet.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”
Luke 12:31 NLT
-
Dwindling Numbers –
It is easy to get caught up in the numbers game and compare yourself to other bloggers who seem to be having more success than you. Please try to refrain from this type of thinking. As you see your numbers go up and down you may start to feel defeated. Maybe you’re wondering why you even started blogging in the first place. This is a definite roadblock that can run you right off the road if you are not careful. It is likely that you did not start blogging so that you could focus on how popular you might become, but how you could make an impact for God’s glory. Try and remember that when you become tempted to stay focused on the numbers aspect of blogging. It is better to be faithful in what you have been given. Keep going no matter what the analytics tell you.
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.”
Galatians 6:4 NLT
-
Unworthiness –
This roadblock is last but certainly not least. I can’t even tell you how many times I have questioned my calling. It makes no sense to me, and yet it makes perfect sense to God. When God gives me a mission, the enemy is there to pounce on my courage and I know I’m not alone in this. The simple truth is that Jesus doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. If I let my feelings of unworthiness dictate how I lead my life then I won’t get anything done.
“It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant.”
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 NLT
Powered by Creative Market
Breaking Through
All of these roadblocks might be threatening in nature but His word and Holy Spirit are just the detours we need to get the job done. As we learn to break through the barriers our endurance has the chance to grow. Then we will be better equipped so we won’t shrink back from the next battle. We will be able to fight the good fight.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.”
Romans 5:3 NLT
If you are searching for help with building your blog and establishing an online presence then I highly recommend an eBook by Carmen Brown from Married By Her Grace called “By His Grace We Blog“. Carmen touches on various challenges that we face as bloggers and she gives biblical insight to help guide you through them. There isn’t another book out there that I could recommend more. You can purchase yours here.
I’d also like to extend a personal invitation to anyone who is an established Christian Blogger to join Carmen and I in a private Facebook Group. You will find it’s a place of encouragement and support while on your blogging journey. We only ask that you are able to provide your blog link upon request. The group called By His Grace Bloggers and you can join here.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Be blessed,
Oh Natalie I truly love this sooooo much! I love that you provided the Biblical references to backup every point you mentioned! I think we all struggle with these things and sometimes they creep up on us before we realize what is happening. That is why my non negotiable will always be praying over my blog and my life outside of blogging. ♡♡
Oh Jessica! I’m so happy that this post spoke to you! You are right, it’s a struggle for us all. God is so good and I thank Him for equipping me for the challenges that come my way. Prayer and digging into His word is where it’s at!
This post is beautiful and timely. Thank you!
Thank you so much Carolina! All glory be to God! He’s a good Father!
Just what I needed to read today! Thank you so much 🙂
Praise God Justine! I’m so glad you were touched by this : )
Natalie, I’m printing this out. It’s going in a special place where I can re-read it. Oh my, I needed this! Thank you for sharing your insights and for the Bible verses. Now…..off to do the dishes….
Haha! Amen Leslie! I need these reminders just as much as anyone else : )
All of these are so true. I especially feel the overwhelm, trying to do everything and keep up and learn everything I can. Sometimes I just have to close out windows, unsubscribe, etc because I can’t do it all. I have to keep my focus on MY calling.
It can be so difficult to prioritize when you want to do everything! It seems to me that you are making wise choices by turning everything off to keep your focus where it should be. God bless you!
Wonderful words of encouragement and advice, Natalie. I think the spiritual warfare one stuck with me the most– as C.S. Lewis has said, we can go to one of two extremes on this one. We can either see the devil in everything, or see him in nothing at all. I was reminded by your post how I’ve recently slacked with praying powerful prayers to combat the spiritual realm and how the devil truly does want to mute the voices of God’s children proclaiming His words of truth- including those in the digital world of blogging. Thanks for these tips!
Amen Sarah! I’m so glad this post resonated with you. I can get lax in this area myself but the attacks are so persistent that I know it cannot be anything but spiritual. It brings me joy though that what we do for His kingdom is such a powerful threat to darkness. Love your blog Sarah!!
Thank you for writing this! I’m a faith and lifestyle blogger and I can relate to this post so much! While I do share posts other than just about my faith, I try to be very vocal about my beliefs and not to shy away from them. Yet, I still find myself getting discouraged and feeling weighed down by numbers from time to time of not having reached a certain number of followers. I must remember that like all things in my life, my blog is another thing that needs to be surrendered to the Lord – including the decisions I make and opportunities I decide to take part in. Thank you for this!
You are definitely not alone Ro. Sometimes the numbers (or lack thereof) can have me second guessing my purpose but the Lord whispers “keep going”. I have to stay on the path He set before me and trust that He is doing a work. So happy you stopped by!
This is so encouraging! Each area you addressed spoke to my heart as a Christian blogger. Thanks so much for your encouragement in the Facebook group, By His Grace Bloggers, too!
Awesome Julie, we each go through similar doubts and trials spreading His message. I’m so glad this encouraged you. Thank you for your sweet words! It’s my honor to serve each of you!
I really enjoyed reading your 5 roadblocks. I can relate to each and every one of them. Especially because my health keeps getting attacked. I am so grateful that when I feel overwhelmed or not good enough to do this, He has taught me to dwell on Him and reminds me why I am here…for His purpose and Glory! Excellent!
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2
I think we can be joyous because we are suffering for doing good and we will get a reward. Our work is making an impact for the Kingdom and the devil HATES that. Keep going sis! I’m praying for your health.
Such a beautiful post Natalie, and spot on too! Thank you for the wisdom and encouragement today. I love that version of Galatians 6:4. Awesome!
You’re so very welcome Kristine! It just makes my day when I learned that someone was encouraged by something I wrote. God bless you!
Thanks for the post and the encouragement, Natalie! I’ve been vaguely recognizing these things but it’s good to see them laid out so clearly (and by someone who’s been through it, too!). Thank you 🙂
Hi Bethany : ) After speaking with several women in our group I know that I’m not alone with these roadblocks that come. Thank God He shows us how to get around them, break through them, or hop over them.
You hit every area for a Christian blogger. This is such an encouragement. So glad you wrote this to inspire to your fellow bloggers.
Thank you Carmen! It has been an honor getting to know ladies from all over the world who love the Lord. Especially you!! : )
Natalie,
Every single one of these! Yes and yes again! Oh girl, is it even possible to feel all five in the same hour? Ha! You are such a blessing … thank you for sharing this at #MomentsofHope ♥
Hugs,
Lori
Lori it’s always a pleasure to hear from you! I have often felt all 5 within a matter of 15 minutes lol. God bless you!
What a great post! I have felt all these things since I started blogging so I’m glad that this showed up in my suggested posts today.
It’s lovely to meet you Rosanna! I’m so glad that you found me as well! I’m off to check out your blog now. Thank you for your kind words!
Amen!!! It’s so easy to be defeated by the enemy if you’re not on the lookout for his schemes. When defeat, overwhelm, and comparison come knocking, I remind myself that I’m writing for an audience of One. Thanks for sharing! Blessings!!
Amen Esther! I love your name btw. Our most important reader is Christ and if what we do doesn’t honor Him then we are on the wrong track. God bless you!
I really enjoyed this post as I struggle most with doubt. I think the enemy whispers in my ear that I am wasting my time. Or I devalue my work based on how much feedback it gets. One thing is fore sure – people pleasing and blogging don’t mix. God is teaching me to put my trust and value in Him instead of what the world says. Thanks for writing this! It made a big impact on me.
Thank you for your feedback Karin. You are so right. People pleasing and blogging definitely do not mix. We cannot water down the truth or let the world distract us. His message is key.
The learning curve of not saying “yes” to everything and staying focused on what the Lord wants a person to do on a blog is a huge thing. It is so easy to get distracted. It is important to stay true to what you feel you should be doing with your blog and gain light and insight on that as time goes on.
Absolutely Cheryl! I couldn’t agree more! When we lose sight of that, it can get dangerous. God bless you on your blogging journey!
Natalie, this is such beautiful encouragement. Thank you for providing scripture references as well. That’s what this is all about, anyway, right? Thank you for this post. I truly appreciated it.
You’re so very welcome Maddie. I’m so glad you found it helpful. God’s word never returns void. It’s the standard of truth we need! I hope to see you again soon : )
Thank you so much for sharing these tips. I can definitely related to them. I had a blog last year (2016) but I shut it down. I was overwhelmed and worried more about numbers more than what God wanted me to write. Also, I think my “niche” was to narrow. So, I am praying and studying and researching and planning again to start a new one and to see where the Lord leads.
Amen Darlene, I pray now that the Lord shows you what He wants you to write about. It definitely isn’t easy being in the Ministry of blogging but it is rewarding. May you go where the Lord leads : )
This is such a great post and extremely timely for me right now. I’m in my third month of blogging and my numbers are pathetic. I get very discouraged when I see so few subscribers or hits to my blog. It’s a great reminder that I am doing this for God’s glory, not my own. I keep repeating to myself “despise not small beginnings”. Thanks for the reminder!
Melissa I am so glad that you stopped in! The first few months can be very frustrating and it is so important to keep your perspective in check. He sees what work you do and so it is not in vain. I’m off to check out your blog!
What sweet, sound advice. Thank you for sharing this! Is the Facebook group just for bloggers who write about their faith in Christ, or is it also open to lifestyle bloggers who include writing about Christ on a regular basis?
It’s for both! We ask that you provide a blog link upon request so that we may ensure your content is in line with what we consider a Christian Blog to be. We also ask that your blog already be up and running with at least two posts published in order to join.
Thank you! This was just what I needed today. I have only been blogging a short while, and I have literally faced each of these roadblocks! I am bookmarking this post, so truthful and encouraging
Amen LeNae! So glad it was a blessing to you! Keep on going Sister. What you do matters!
So well written! I’m going to bookmark this post to come back to this any time I’m needing some encouragement in blogging – these will all be great reminders. I especially liked what you wrote when you said that you should be faithful in what you have – and not to worry about how big your following is because it’s ultimately all about Jesus!
Hi there sweet Emily!
I’m so glad you came across this post and that it blessed you. All glory be to God for He knows exactly what we need. I have found that if I am faithful with the little, He blesses me with more. It brings me such hope and encouragement.
What timing it was stumbling across this post! It feels good to know you’re not alone in something. Thank you for reminding me that we all struggle with self-doubt and unworthiness.
Oh that blesses me so much Kelly! I’m so glad you found this article helpful. You are absolutely correct! We ALL struggle with self-doubt and unworthiness from time to time. However, it is important that we rely on what God says He sees in us instead of what we feel. After all, we are warriors!
Hi! I’m currently in my senior year of school and I feel that God is calling me to start a blog when I finish at the end of this year. I don’t have a blog yet as I’m waiting until I can focus on making a strong start, but I wondered if I would be able to join the Facebook group community to begin preparing me? I have read some of your posts through Pinterest and you are an inspiration I would love to continue following – thank you for following your calling ❤️
Much love,
Merryn
Hi there Merryn,
I’m ecstatic that God has put this precious calling on your heart and can’t wait to see what you do! I’m going to email you so we can go over this more in detail : )
Wow this is all so honest.
That second one hit me! I have to fight with myself and remind myself that my time with the Lord is more important than the hours that I spend doing reserach on SEO, especially as a CHRISTIAN lifestyle blogger. I find that we have more burden as christian lifestyle bloggers, but it is so rewarding to serve the Lord through writing.
Thank you for this.
Thank you so much Karen and it’s so true. Our writing will be that much more inspiring if we are tapped into the truth of Jesus. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to serve our Lord.
Ohmygoodness, you hit these spot on. I started a blog about 5 months ago and I have felt or am right in the middle of all of these. It’s nice to know I am not alone. I am also a teacher so I struggle to juggle it all but I know I am following God’s will so he will get me through. I look forward to reading more of your content. It looks like I will learn so much. Thanks for your ministry.
Oh Jessica! Thank you so much for blessing me with your presence. You have no idea what encouragement comments like yours bring me. God bless you on your exciting journey as a Christian blogger. I’m off to visit your blog now : )
I see that you wrote this 10 months ago, but I’m convinced that God intended for me to read it at the just the right time. I’m definitely having doubts after I was finally brave enough to look at my analytics only to find exactly what I feared: no audience. I’m now asking myself why I bother writing knowing no one is reading or visiting my site. The enemy is trying to tell me that I’m not smart enough to reach anyone through the internet, much less inspire their faith (I’m totally lost when it comes to email programs). So, I backed off and I haven’t written a word in over a month, which is a big deal since it’s holiday time. Lately, I’ve been feeling God tug at me, though. And, your article certainly is making me rethink things. Thank you so much for the encouragement. It really spoke to me. God bless you!
Gina, you have no idea how much you’ve encouraged me today and by you commenting and posting you’ve lead me to reread this post. I’ve been reminded of some very important things as well. I thank God for the leading of His Spirit and know that if we are obedient He is faithful in doing the rest. I’m off to visit your blog now : )
This was such a blessing to me today.
I’m thrilled to read that! God bless you Beth : )
He is the all powerful and merciful. He is the good father.
Psalm 91:4
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Amen! I receive that!
This was honestly so amazing! It pointed me straight to truth, and was honestly a little convicting! Thank you so much for this, it pointed me right towards my King!
Praise God Brittany!
Blogging can be difficult but the end result is truly rewarding. God is good!
Oh, Natalie! Such a timely post! My neck is burning and has been for about 3 weeks or so…every time I sit at the computer. I’m writing a study post on Holiness. Yep, the snake isn’t happy with me. But, I will persevere and write what He gives me.
Everything you said in this post is spot on and I thank you for putting it into words.
Blessings to you as you persevere in doing the work of the Lord!
Awe thank you so much for your sweet words Cindy. You are always such an encourager. I appreciate you sister!
I stumbled across this on Pinterest, and I’m so glad I did. All of this is so true! and I love that you put Biblical references after these; that is SO important. Thank you for this post!
You are so very welcome Mallory! I’m glad that you found me too!
Natalie this is a wonderful post! I could confidently say yep, yep, yep to everything you mentioned. It is hard and a struggle, and I thank you for being a voice of encouragement and strength. <3
You’re so very welcome Tiffany. I’m so glad you found encouragement here. Blogging about our faith is not only challenging but rewarding. I’ve found that when we declare victory over our obstacles through the Lord that we are able to overcome. Thank you for stopping in!
Thank you for this post. You have given an enlightened account of the obstacles we face when we seek to serve via our writings. But, better yet, you provide a blessing in the solutions you give.
Answered prayer! I never imagined or thought to see about other Christian bloggers on Pintrest, but tonight I felt that little familiar nudge send me there and I found you!
Thanks for being faithful. I’ll join the FB group, too.
How awesome Monica! I’m so glad you found me! I’m going to pay your blog a visit now : ) Don’t be a stranger!
Natalie… as someone just starting out, this is such good information for me to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing!
You’re very welcome Mandy. I’m saying a prayer for you as you start off on your blogging journey.
A word in season. Thank you
x.o
Kerry
You are very welcome friend!
I needed to read this today. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad that this message was right on time for you. Have a wonderful day Leigh!
Wow! This post speaks truth to me in my heart Natalie. Much of what you mentioned I am facing right now. It’s such a struggle to balance everything especially when you have a full-time job also. God knew I needed to see this at this particular moment. Thank You
Praise God! You are so right. Working full-time and blogging can be quite challenging. I’m praying for you this morning as you continue doing God’s work.