I always thought that imposter syndrome was reserved for emotions that we experience at the various jobs we hold at different seasons of our lives, but this weekend I understood the concept on a whole new level.
This weekend, my husband surprised me with a trip to Puerto Rico, and I was beyond excited, but subconsciously, I almost sabotaged the entire thing. Let me give you some context. This past summer we took a trip through Northern Europe that ended in Iceland before we headed back home, but we never made it to a beach. So, I had been saying, ‘I need a beach’ often, because a ‘true’ relaxation break for me involves lying in the sun, in the sand, on the shore of a calm tropical beach. I know many reading this would concur. 😁
My amazing husband, who listens to me with his heart, did what he does and made it happen. I was over-the-moon excited when he told me, and then the self-doubt started. Without even being aware, I began to mentally rehearse all of the reasons why a weekend trip to an island resort was frivolous:
- I needed to be a good steward of my resources.
- The economy wasn’t what it used to be, and I should be saving for a rainy day.
- So many people were losing their jobs, so I should be more conservative, etc., etc.
This went on and on until I was convinced. Then I approached my husband, who lovingly listened, then firmly stated, ‘We’re going anyway’.
They were all reasonable arguments, but what was behind them wasn’t a true desire to save money, but a deep-seated lie that I subconsciously believed: ‘I didn’t really deserve a weekend getaway to an island resort with sandy beaches, lounge chairs with large umbrellas, and drinks with little umbrellas’. In other words, I was an imposter masquerading as “that woman”.
I have no clue of the origin of that lie, and I’m not going to turn this into a therapy session and explore my trauma, etc. It is enough for me to know that it exists: that the Holy Spirit, who will ultimately walk me through the healing process to fix it, brought it to my attention.
This was the lightbulb moment: I was in the airport terminal waiting to board, and a lot of ‘well-to-do-looking’ people were there with me, and I began to feel like an imposter, again. I looked at the clothes they were wearing, at their jewelry and their shoes, at their bags…, and just as I was about to go down the rabbit hole of thoughts, the Holy Spirit whispered. You belong here because I have chosen you, blessed you, and called you, and I love you. I am the creator of everyone and everything that exists, and I am your Abba Father who loves you deeply. I will not withhold any good things from you. You are not an imposter; you are my child, and well deserving of every blessing I give you, and those that I allow others the honor of giving you. You belong everywhere I allow you to be.
Imposter syndrome is a lie of the devil that cripples us and causes us to question whether we are worthy, capable, qualified, deserving, or even truly called to the places God has allowed us to occupy. And the truth is, it can show up in every area of our lives, not just our careers. It can make us feel like an imposter in the boardroom, in the classroom, on stages, in ministry, in our relationships, in motherhood, in leadership, in our finances, in our friendships, and even in seasons of blessing. It whispers, Who do you think you are? You don’t belong here. You’re not enough. Someone is going to figure you out.
If we believe those whispers long enough, we can begin shrinking ourselves, second-guessing God’s blessings, playing small, self-sabotaging, and sometimes even walking away from the very purposes for which He called us. But God tells us something very different. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NASB 2020) We are not accidents, imposters, or frauds. We are God’s workmanship!
One antidote to the enemy’s lies is knowing who we are in Christ and continuously choosing to believe what God says about us above what our feelings say about us. The enemy may whisper that we don’t belong, but God says we are His. Satan may tell us we are not enough, but God’s grace is sufficient. The devil may remind us of everything we have done wrong, and all the areas in which we have fallen short, but “There is therefore now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, NASB 2020)
Imposter syndrome is not simply a one-time realization; it is a continuous mental battle: “We are ‘continually’ destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are ‘continually’ taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NASB 2020) Some days we will recognize the lie quickly. Other days, we may have to stop, breathe, pray, and remind ourselves all over again: “I belong here because God placed me here. I am His child. I don’t have to prove my worth. I will simply walk faithfully in what He has called me to do”. Our victory comes one thought, one choice, and one day at a time as we keep our eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:2, NASB 2020)
So, when that familiar voice tells you that you don’t belong, that you’re not enough, or that you are somehow an imposter in the life God has given you, pause and take the thought captive. Go back to what God has said, and then keep walking. You don’t have to feel confident every moment to be courageous. You don’t have to understand everything to trust Him. And you don’t have to become someone else to be worthy of the place God has brought you. You are His! You are loved! You are chosen! You are being formed, strengthened, and equipped for purpose! And yes, you belong!
Heavenly Father, I pray for each person reading this. Help them to recognize the lies that have caused them to doubt themselves, question their worth, or shrink back from the life and purpose You have given them. Quiet every voice that contradicts Your truth, and teach them to hear Your voice above all others. Remind them daily of who they are in You, and give them the courage to walk confidently, not in themselves, but in You. Whenever doubt shows up, help them to fix their eyes on You, and remember that You are the One who called them, equipped them, and will faithfully complete the work You began in them. May they walk daily, in freedom, confidence, purpose, and peace, knowing that they are deeply loved by You, and that they belong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you’ve never asked Jesus to be Lord of your life, please pause and pray the prayer below. ‘Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sin please forgive me, cleanse me, and make me your child. I commit my life to you today, and ask you to be my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
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