Imposter syndrome is a new and ambiguous concept of emotion we all face to some extent in our careers. In some cases it can be analogous to explaining why we dream; there are many scientific arguments for it but it’s still a mystery. I wanted to present a surface level approach to this concept on Living with Grace and reason some solutions to handling it hence my peers and I often have this feeling that we may be a fraud. I don’t know what season you’re in in your life right now but you may be feeling like a fraud in a position that God has called you into and it may be causing you some delays. That position is not limited to a career, it can be marriage, motherhood, fatherhood, positions of leadership in the body of Christ, evangelism, etc. I’m writing this to encourage you to remember your identity in Christ and why you were called to your specific purpose and to ultimately unmask the lie that you are not equipped for the position you were called to.
What is imposter syndrome?
According to The Scientific American “Impostor Syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, or fraudulence despite often overwhelming evidence to the contrary. It strikes smart, successful individuals. It often rears its head after an especially notable accomplishment, like admission to a prestigious university, public acclaim, winning an award, or earning a promotion.” (What is Imposter Syndrome, 2015)
The root of imposter syndrome is fear. It’s the fear that someone will notice that one is not equipped for the position. However, let’s shift that perspective and suggest that we are equipped because we were chosen for the role. If God is sovereign and we were offered the opportunity to work for the company we work for in the role that we’re in then that suggests that God permitted us to operate in that role. Therefore, He will equip us to successfully fulfill all the responsibilities of that role. However, we must be intentional about it. One thing I’ve learned is that the more I feel discouraged and I allow the “imposter” feeling to steal my identity, the less confident I am in God’s Word and the process in which He’s positioned me. It’s important to pray and speak life over your identity. Ask God to supply all your needs for the specific role, meditating on scripture such as Philippians 4:19.
Remembering Why You Were Called to This Specific Purpose
In a practical sense, we may not understand how our roles ultimately tie into God’s will for our lives and how they will bring Him glory. I learned that it’s less about the specific task at hand (also important because God created work before giving Adam and assignment – Gen. 2:15) rather more about the spiritual fruit that will develop by completing the assignment that is a part of the greater whole of God’s sovereign will for our lives.
The Lord gives us particular assignments to develop us over time and prepare us for the next season in our lives. His desire is that we fully develop the fruit of the Spirit which are “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23. Therefore, it’s important to understand how we are being developed spiritually in the process. Walk into every opportunity with confidence always asking God “what am I supposed to learn here?”
You are not an imposter. There is a specific purpose for your life; nothing happens by chance. God qualified you for that promotion or else you wouldn’t be there. I pray that you have surrendered your life to Christ, you have acknowledged the value that comes from being a child of God and you are walking in His will. I work in the tech industry where imposter syndrome is prevalent among software developers and it feels inevitable even to the most seasoned engineers but I have the hope planted in me that the Lord has given me access to everything I need to accomplish all that is required for my role. However, that takes time and intentionality in overcoming fear when the thoughts that provoke it comes to mind. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). It’s a struggle for us all but together we will get through it. Just remember we are not living this life for ourselves we are a part of a much larger story. So you are not alone on this journey, you’ll be surprised at how many people feel the way you feel, share it with someone. I pray that the Lord provides you with the confidence to overcome imposter syndrome, that He supplies all your needs to produce the fruit needed for the position you are called to and that you walk in faith in His Word, acknowledging that in His will you are capable because He is able! (Ephesians 3:20)
May God bless you!
Living with Grace 