Feeling Like A Phony

Have you heard of imposter syndrome?

Psychology Today tells us that, “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.” This is a concept that permeates our success-oriented society. We are taught to seek success above all. But typically, when we get the thing we wanted, the promotion we were longing for, the house we dreamed of, the bank account statement that finally has enough zeros, something in us cringes.

If you’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, you know this moment. You’re looking around at all you have, all you’ve done, and something in you whispers, “Does anyone realize I have no idea what I’m doing?” Imposter syndrome leaves us feeling undeserving and constantly terrified that someone will see through the facade of success into the scared and insecure individual inside of us.

Working at a church, this is a daily struggle. There’s nothing like finishing a sermon, walking out of a pastoral counseling session, or submitting a daily devotional, and hearing the lies of Satan, “You’re too far gone. You’re a sinner. God could never use you.”

Friend, the voice of the devil absolutely loves the imposter syndrome. He loves to leave us thinking that we’re not enough, he loves to convince us that no matter what we do, we’ll never be able to erase our past. No matter how hard we try, we’ll always be an imposter.

I was praying with a friend a few weeks ago as she struggled with this very thing. I sat across from this incredible woman of God as she described herself with a myriad of words that her sin convinced her were true. “I’m just a phony,” she whispered through tears, “I don’t deserve God’s love.” Have you whispered those words? Have they permeated your soul in moments of doubt? If they have, you’re not alone. I reminded my friend of this scripture verse, and I want to remind you too.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

- Romans 5:8

Jesus didn’t pick us on our best day, in our brightest moment, when we had it all together. While we were still sinners, in our deepest moment of rebellion, Christ was so moved with compassion and love that He sacrificed His life so we might be able to be in relationship with Him.

There is nothing we can do to earn it, no accomplishment we can achieve to be deserving of it, it is a free gift.

When imposter syndrome creeps in, we can tell the devil: “Yes, I don’t deserve it! I’m a sinner. But because of the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed. And I won’t let lies stop me from celebrating that truth.”

The voice of the devil wants to make you think that you were somehow responsible for your success in the first place.

But James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above…” When imposter syndrome tries to tell us we’re not good enough, we shout back, “Exactly! But thanks to Jesus, I don’t have to be!”

Because of Him, we receive good gifts. Because of Him, the chains of sin don’t hold us down. Only because of Him, we find redemption. Imposter syndrome tries to give us too much credit, when instead we should just look to God with gratitude and seek Him in all things.

Don’t listen to the lies today. Jesus died for you, you don’t have to have it all together, because of His blood. Each and every day He is renewing you. Enjoy the good gifts, come to Him in the hard moments, and speak truth over the lies of the devil.

Tell Him: “I don’t have to be good enough, because my God is greater!”

Cristina Schmitter

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