Imposter Syndrome: the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills. –Oxford Dictionary
I have been thinking 🤔 about blogging as a ministry over the past few weeks. Then I started to feel like an imposter. I heard the following thoughts race through my mind: Why would anyone read your blog? Do you think that post is any good? Do you really want to hit publish? English is technically your 3rd language; your grammar is incorrect!
In a nutshell, I was unconsciously falling victim to the imposter syndrome 😱. Imposter syndrome manifested through self-doubt, fear, and feeling inadequate.
Another reason why I fell prey 😢 to the imposter syndrome is because I am an introvert. This is my thought process: I love to be in my cocoon. I don’t want to be “out there” in the fields harvesting. Why doesn’t God give me a job in soul harvesting that doesn’t involve spectators or vulnerability? I want to have a silent, anonymous ministry! 😂🤣
That is not God’s plan, though. He has been challenging me and revealing to me that I need to go deeper into my calling.
When I was thinking of the imposter syndrome, I went back to one of my absolute favorite characters in the bible; GIDEON! You can click here if you are interested in understanding why I love this character so much. Immediately God spoke to him; he went full-on IMPOSTER SYNDROME. He is literally the poster child for imposter syndrome. He tells God the following:
“Pardon me, my lord, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15 NIV
I am literally laughing so hard because this is me!
For me, dealing with imposter syndrome has been an ongoing battle. Every new challenge and new season brings doubt.
The tools that I use to deal with imposter syndrome:
THE WORD. I have found that the only way I get through it is by fully relying on God. I rely on what his word says about me.
AFFIRMATIONS. I wake up every morning with positive affirmations that are directly retrieved from his word.
PRAYER. I am also very honest, and I do converse with God about my insecurities.
I am curious to hear about your experiences with imposter syndrome! If you can, leave a comment and share how you deal with it.
Hugs! 🤗
This is so good. I became aware of the term “imposter syndrome” in September. I was being vulnerable with colleagues in my doctoral program. I told them I felt like I don’t belong in the program. I often feel dumb despite having two masters degree, pursuing a PhD, served in the military, working as a behavior therapist and my resume looks like I am the ideal candidate for many great things. I still feel like I don’t belong in some settings, like I am not smart enough.
For me, I will live with the imposter syndrome till God takes it away. The imposter syndrome keeps me humble, makes me look to God and acknowledge He is the one helping me. Sometimes, I begin to find my sense of worth in my accomplishments but that imposter syndrome keeps me in check. I cry out to God and tell Him I am nothing without him.
Comparing ourselves with others makes things worse. I feel like others are better. But God reminds me that I am unique and that settles it.
Thank you so much for sharing and enlightening me as well!!! You mentioned something awesome—that you use it to keep you humble and in check. ❤️ This is so good and I will see it in a positive light like how you put it. I think the existence of the imposter syndrome helps us to continually rely on God!
Kudos to your educational endeavors and I pray that God extends your boundaries so that they fall into pleasant places. 🎊🎊🎊🥳🥳🥳
Thank you for blessing us with this post. ♥️ God bless you!🙏
This is such a relatable post! I’ve felt like an imposter so much in my life—and it’s kept me from doing a lot of the things I’ve felt called or tugged to do. Thank you for sharing. I feel so encouraged to know I’m not alone.
So glad you relate to the post ♥️ Imposter syndrome has also held me back in a lot of areas but I am trying to deal with it this time 🎉
Another amazing post!
To this day I am still a victim of imposter syndrome.
To be honest, I just write a poem about my fears and realize that fear is only temporary.
I believe no matter how hard my day is, life will eventually get better because I have a good heart and want the best
I agree!! Fear is only temporary.
I love writing poetry too but I stopped a few years ago. Hoping to start again soon.
It is commendable that you write your fears through poetry. Converting that fear into a beautiful poem(s) that people can identify with! 🤗
Definitely but alot some of my poems are dark and painful.
In fact, I think my dark and painful poems are my best work tbh.
Sure if poetry is something you want to start again, I say go for it 😁😁 because putting word together in a rhythmic pattern is a beautiful creation.
Imposter Syndrome is basically Satan whispering lies in our ears, ughh! I often question if I am really worthy to fill the roles I do in my church. Thank you for bringing this up, and I love your solutions!
Awww Thanks got stopping by ❤️
I agree, imposter syndrome is Satan whispering lies for sure!!!
Thanks for sharing. I believe we all have these doubts about our faith from time to time. While it is normal to have these feelings, we cannot let the sin of distrusting God and His purpose for our lives into our hearts! Like Lily said in the comment above me, those thoughts are just Satan whispering lies, attempting to make you stumble.
Thank you for your comment 🌺🌺🌺I agree 💯, we shouldn’t let any lies make us deviate from the plan and purpose God has for our lives 🌸🌸🌸
I’ve suffered with Imposter Syndrome for years now (I’ve written about it many times, most recently here: https://thestevensonlife.co.uk/2020/02/26/imposter-syndrome-its-a-real-thing/ ) – It’s totally normal, and ok, to ask for help from others, spiritual or otherwise! You’re never alone, you got this.
Thank you for sharing! I just read your post and I totally agree!!! I left a comment on your end since I totally resonate! Thanks for stopping by 🌺
Wow I feel like this post was meant for me, I have been feeling uncertain and unsure of some things I do until now that I finally have a name for it. I am sure that God will make a way for me to overcome the fears I have.
This totally warms my heart! ❤️ After my night prayers I had a push to write this, so I did. I know that God will make a way for you to overcome your fears for sure! Trust and pray!! He will come through for you. I will say a prayer for you today as well!! 🌺