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Presented by Lisa Bishop
Have you ever felt unqualified? That sinking feeling like you just do not measure up? Recently a friend was sharing how she had been experiencing anxiety in her job. She went from being an individual contributor to being promoted to VP and leading a team of people. Even though God had clearly opened this career door and called her into this position, her new role had induced a case of imposter syndrome.
If you have ever felt like you didn’t deserve a raise, that you are not smart or qualified enough to succeed at an assignment, or that you fooled everyone when you landed a new job or position, you too have experienced imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is when you doubt your competency and ability to do your job. It’s the feeling that you don’t deserve to be in the position you are in because you are not qualified. If you have ever felt this way you are not alone. This type of self-doubt affects millions of people across various demographics and job types. Imposter syndrome messes with your identity because of the fear of inadequacy and sinking feeling of being found out to not have “what it takes.”
When I think about imposter syndrome it reminds me of Moses. In Exodus chapter 3 we read the familiar story of God revealing himself to Moses in a burning bush. This was the beginning of God’s call on Moses’s life to be the one who would bring redemption to God’s people and lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 3:11 we see Moses grappling with his version of imposter syndrome when in response to God’s assignment he says, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” To which God responds, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12a). Regardless of God’s continued reassurance that he will be with Moses, equipping him and leading him every step of the way, Moses’s fear and doubt induces an endless list of rebuttals as to why he is not qualified for the position God is calling him to.
- “What if they don’t believe me or listen to me?” (Exodus 4:1a).
- “Pardon your servant Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10).
- “Pardon Your servant Lord, please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13).
When God invites you into a new opportunity you might be tempted to let imposter syndrome cause you to shrink back and like Moses, say “Who am I?” Know that God isn’t surprised by your imposter syndrome, he just asks you to say, “Yes!” God was not sending Moses in his own strength but by the power of the Lord. God is not sending you in your own strength but inviting you to trust in and rely on him.
When God calls you into something, remember it is ultimately for his glory. You can trust him as he calls you to partner with him.