Defeating Imposter Syndrome

Has God given you a passion to do or be something that seems unattainable? God brings us up to the mountain to give us directions on what he would like us to do. Then he brings us down into reality to complete the task.

On the mountain top, in the presence of a holy God, nothing seems impossible, but after walking down off the mountain, the vision begins to fade, and we question, “Can I really succeed in what I have been instructed to do?”

Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which someone persistently doubts their abilities and accomplishments, despite evidence of their success. It's characterized by feeling like a fraud. A person may doubt their worth, give up, or overwork out of fear of failure.  Have you ever felt this way?

Human wisdom tells us, “You can do it on your own. All you have to do is visualize success, tell yourself you can do it, use the power within you, and it will be accomplished.”  When we rely on ourselves as the main source of power, we are like Peter, proclaiming to Jesus, “Lord, I will never deny you.” Matthew 26:35. That night, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Peter learned his lesson, and in this first book, he wrote. “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6 NLT). I cannot discount the common grace of human ingenuity and power, but the tasks God calls us to accomplish go beyond what human effort could ever attain.

The way we combat imposter syndrome is by dying to ourselves. “I am crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20a ESV). The imposter is me thinking I can accomplish the God-sized task on my own. I need to get out of the way and ask for God’s help.

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling and partnering with me that I can complete God's vision. By his grace, he holds my very breath, helps me sleep, eat, and speak. If then I proclaim that I am the one who succeeded, it is like a child proclaiming that all the toys in his room are his and that he earned them himself, when in fact they were given to him by his parents. The way God uses us might not fit into the grand plan we had for ourselves. We may be looked down on by others, yet when we submit ourselves to God’s plan, strength and peace will come.

Has God given you a “God-sized” task that left you feeling discouraged? Do you wonder if you will ever be able to complete what the Lord has called you to do? Humble yourself before the Lord, crucify the self within you. Ask for his help to complete the task at hand. When you decrease, the Holy Spirit will increase, empowering you to fulfill the God-sized task he has placed in your life.