Atypical AdviceSample

When you have Jesus, you can defeat imposter syndrome.

In a time where we have FaceTune, Photoshop, and filters, we’re used to fixing things we may not like about ourselves. We’re used to putting on masks and trying to look perfect. But there’s no app to fix our internal issues. There’s no app where we can change how we look and are seen IRL. And there’s no app that changes how you look to God. 

Hyperaware of our flaws and shortcomings, sometimes we can feel like we’re not good enough. We can easily start feeling like we’re not good enough for our family, for God, or for a specific purpose. 

So, how do we feel confident and fight "imposter syndrome"? 

Surprisingly enough, Moses—the guy who took on Pharaoh and freed his people, parted the Red Sea, got to talk to God through a burning bush, and wrote down the 10 Commandments—also struggled with accepting His calling. 

Moses questioned if he should be the one to do all of these great things, and when he was actually tasked with going back to Egypt to be an advocate for and leader of the Israelites, he literally told God to ask someone else (Exodus 4:13). 

But thankfully Moses learned this bit of wisdom: With God on your side, you are enough. And even in your doubting, God will do great things through you and in spite of you.

Moses was worried about how he spoke (Exodus 4:10) when God created Him that way in the first place (Exodus 4:11). 

Spoiler alert—there’s not anyone better or more qualified, because God made you, every part of you, with the intention of placing this call on your life and putting you in these places and positions (yes, even the ones you don’t think you’re good enough for). 

Have you ever heard Christians saying, “I’m covered by the blood of Jesus?”

Basically, they’re talking about the best filter we have, and it isn’t found in any app. It’s found in Jesus and His Word. Because of Him and His sacrifice, we’re made new and we’re clean. His blood is our filter—meaning that God sees us through the lens of His Son. 

When those feelings of inadequacy surface or when you find yourself fearful of other people seeing you as a fraud or when you just want to ask God to give your assignment to someone else—hide yourself in God’s Word and what He says about you. Everyone, including ourselves, can see us in a new light when we walk in His love and His grace. So, say no to "imposter syndrome" not because we’re perfect but because God’s love is made perfect in us through Jesus! 

You’re fearfully and wonderfully made. You were chosen and called. You are God’s masterpiece, and He created you with a unique purpose. Walk in that. 

Reflect: Write down the things you think disqualify you from doing something God asked of you. Then, write down how those weaknesses might be an opportunity for God’s strength to empower you. 

Pray: God, thank You for making me into the complex and awesome person I am. I know I need You and Your strength to accomplish _____. I feel like _____ and _____ don’t make me the one for the job. But I trust You. I trust Your plan, and I trust that You can use me in spite of what I see as flaws. Amen.