Lies We Believe – Week Two

Have you ever experienced the nagging feeling that you don’t belong, that people will soon discover just how unqualified you are, or maybe that everyone has already realized you are in over your head?

I know I have, and unfortunately, that type of thinking is not all in the past tense. If I am honest with you, my self-talk tells me I am an imposter almost every day. I struggle with feeling insecure, less than, unprepared, and undeserving. And not in the humble, healthy kind of way. More in the questioning God and floundering faith kind of way. 

Let me give you one example. Not long I was offered a new opportunity at work. My boss and many others felt confident I was up for the job, but I wasn’t so sure. I asked for time to pray. As I prayed, it became clear that I had a lot of messed-up thinking that God wanted to deal with. I discovered there were numerous barriers that I had unknowingly built up. But to stay on topic we will stick with just one –  insecurity.

Over and over, I kept thinking – I cannot do this. I am not the woman for the job. Surely God has someone else who is more skilled, more talented, more godly, more loving, a better leader, and a better person. 

Again, this swirling in my head was not coming from a place of humility but rather a place of unhealthiness. I didn’t have peace but was instead conflicted within myself. And as God and I talked more and more, I was shocked to discover how often my fears and insecurities hold me back from His calling. 

I know I am not alone with the feeling of falling short and not belonging, this feeling of being an imposter. It is so common that psychology has given it a name – imposter syndrome. Here is how Psychology Today defines imposter syndrome, “People who struggle with imposter syndrome believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are, in fact, generally held. They feel that they aren’t as competent or intelligent as others might think—and that soon enough, people will discover the truth about them.”

Long before psychologists came up with the term, definition, and steps for overcoming imposter syndrome, God gave us examples of men and women who struggled with insecurity. Jeremiah is one such man. 

The first chapter of Jeremiah gives us a glimpse into a conversation between God and Jeremiah. God speaks first, explaining how Jeremiah was appointed a prophet to the nations before he was born. Instead of rejoicing or agreeing, it seems like Jeremiah’s head began to spin. Most likely, he was thinking – How is that possible? Surely God is confused here. I am not the person for this assignment. Who would listen to someone like me?

While I am speculating on Jeremiah’s exact thoughts, we do know that he did not see eye to eye with God. Here is how the Bible tells us he responded to God’s declaration, “Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak because I am a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6 NASB) 

Jeremiah reveals his insecurities with two statements:

1. A statement of what he cannot do – I don’t know how to speak. 
2. A statement about who he is that makes him unqualified – I am a youth. 

What about you? How do you state your insecurities? 

Fill in the blank. I don’t know how to ____________ and I am a ____________. 

While whatever you fill in here is may be unique to you, the response that God gave Jeremiah holds the truth you need to hear. 

First, God says, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you will speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” And then God touches Jeremiah’s mouth and proclaims, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant,” (Jeremiah 1:7-10)

Let’s review the truth we uncover here:

1. God isn’t concerned with our lack of ability or qualification because He is more than qualified.
2. When God has gifted us, He will open up the doors for us to use those gifts. 
3. We don’t have to be afraid or intimidated because God is with us. 
4. Before we take the first step toward a position, calling, or ministry, God has already gone before us to prepare the way.  

It’s pretty clear that God didn’t have any tolerance for Jeremiah’s excuses. And I don’t think he has any tolerance for yours and mine. Go back to that statement – I don’t know how to ____________ and I am a ____________. 

What do you think God’s response is to you?

I am thankful for Jeremiah’s story because it reminds me that feeling like an imposter is normal. It does not disqualify me from serving or negate God’s plan. Instead, it shows me how much I need God and points me to His power, strength, and worthiness. It also reminds me that true confidence doesn’t come from my abilities but through God and His abilities. 

So like many of you, I continue to wrestle through insecurities, but am grateful to report that I also see how God is equipping me day by day. Stepping into a new role has taught me that when I live in a place of ease and comfort and feel competent, I often overlook my need for God. But when I step out into the unknown and uncomfortable and place myself in God’s hands, I more readily recognize His power.