Want to hear the full episode about overcoming doubt and imposter syndrome? CLICK HERE to listen to this content in Episode 28 of the Create Some Breathing Room podcast!
Let’s be real – overcoming doubt and imposter syndrome is not something I have fully conquered. I’m not even sure if it CAN be fully conquered. But it is something that gets easier with awareness, faith, and grace. And overcoming this doubt will result in courage you didn’t know you were capable of.
What It IS and What It Is NOT
Imposter syndrome is feeling like you’re not equipped or qualified to do the things you feel called to do. It looks like leaning into your passions and gifts while also doubting your abilities and choices.
It is NOT faking it to impress others while fearing others will notice. It also is not stress and anxiety because you’re striving and hustling outside of your God-given strengths and skills. This is not the same as forcing an identity because someone else made it look good.
The Root of the Problem
What’s the deal with doubt, anyway? Sis, this is a tale as old as time. You’ll find it in the garden of Eden when the serpent comes after Eve with a question we’ve all heard in our own heads: “Did God actually say…?” (Genesis 3:1 ESV).
It shows up again with Satan and Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). Just as you see this all throughout scripture, the devil causes us to doubt ourselves, the goodness and love of God, and even God’s faithfulness and promises.
Truth and Obedience
Let’s start with Truth from the scriptures about who we are:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 14
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19
Imposter syndrome is real for many, and Satan is the master deceiver. His methods of causing doubt keep working, so he will keep using them! But we know the Truth about who we are, and holy confidence is not the same as haughty pride.
Own your God-given strengths and skills, and keep using them to bless others and glorify the Lord! God works in ways we don’t always see or understand, and He can bless others through our obedience to love and serve.
