Which AI—Artificial Intelligence or Almighty Influence?

 

By Maureen Miller

 

Let me start by saying … I’m the first to ask the Lord to refine my convictions. “Am I lazy?” I’ve inquired. “Afraid of unfamiliar territory? Insecure about learning something new?”

It’s not like that’s never been the case, but this? It’s different. Not laziness. Not fear. Maybe there’s someone who needs to hear it, to know they’re not alone. After all, there are varied opinions. I’ve sat under the teaching of wise writers much more experienced than me, listening to what they encourage. Still, I leave questioning, “Why isn’t it okay for me, God?”

And I know. If one uses a smart phone or a computer, she or he is already implementing artificial intelligence. My convictions aren’t about extremes but, rather, intentional boundaries. They’re personal perimeters set in place, though perhaps contrary to what we’re told—particularly that AI:

·       Makes writing easier.

·       Optimizes time.

·       Offers a broader scope of creative possibility.

For Christian creatives, however, there’s something available far greater than AI. For me, having not yet received the go-ahead to implement all the opportunities it affords, there’s nothing I’d rather rely on more than the Almighty’s Influence.

Writing isn’t easy.

Much of the writing life is difficult. But it’s often the hard that produces the best story. It’s what inspires us.

Should we search for ways to make writing easier, less complicated? Personally, my mind seems to never shut down, looking at real life through the lens of a storyteller—This experience, though painful, can be woven into my tale. Or, Though I didn’t expect to find myself here, this situation is perfect to incite suspense.

I can’t count the times I’ve experienced something in my life—often through difficulty and pain—then written a portion of it into my plot. Perhaps, in our writing, we should put into practice this very truth: beauty is birthed, not from ease, but from hard labor.

Thus, apart from research—Siri, what did hotdogs cost in 1969?—let’s consider seeking the Almighty’s Influence in our work, utilizing all the experiences He allows—no matter how difficult—to pen stories pointing readers to Him.

Our times are in His hands.

It was 2007 when I first heard God’s whisper to me concerning a story He was calling me to write. Gideon’s Book wasn’t published until May 2025, two years shy of twenty from that initial nudge. There were plenty of moments I questioned God’s timing, especially when, after hitting send on my first draft, He said, “You need to start over?”

What?

Still, God continued to remind me. The story He’d birthed in my heart would be released in the world for such a time (Esther 4:14). Yes, I could trust Him.

With all our writing, let’s commit to pray, trusting God’s timing for each word. Rather than utilizing AI to generate, for example, settings and character sketches—feeling self-imposed pressure to produce more in less time—seek the Almighty’s Influence. We can rest knowing He’ll birth our stories in His time.

God’s creativity is instilled in us.

Indeed, it’s all we need to fulfill the work He’s called us to accomplish. While artificial intelligence certainly provides a broad scope of possibility with regard to plot points and story arch—yes, even in nonfiction—might we consider tapping instead into the creativity instilled in us?

Perhaps relying on artificial intelligence beyond basic research weakens our creative, God-given flow—diminishing it rather than strengthening. More, while artificial intelligence might mimic our unique “voice,” it seems an anemic substitute for the beauty of the Almighty’s Influence spilling from us.

Fellow Christian writers, as we sit down to create, rather than seeking direction from that which is artificial, may we desire God’s influence. Then, with this prayer on our lips, our writing becomes our worship:

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and establish the work of our hands upon us;
    yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17 ESV)

Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com and Andrea De Santis.

Maureen Miller is a storyteller who lives on Selah Farm in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina with her childhood sweetheart Bill. They have three children and three grand-girls who affectionately call Maureen “Mora.” She blogs about God’s extraordinary character discovered in the ordinary of life at Windows and Wallflowers (www.maureenmillerauthor.com). She recently released her debut novel, Gideon’s Book.