Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Remembering You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
When You Feel Like an Imposter
Confident, strong, courageous, fearless, adequate, loving, intelligent, God-fearing, kind, giving, and competent, these are the words I wish I used to describe myself. But if I’m being honest, they’re not the ones that usually run through my head. Instead, my thoughts are often filled with doubt and anxiety about not measuring up to the impossible bar I’ve set for myself. Can anyone else relate to that?
Inadequate is how I usually feel, and I know I’m not alone. There’s even a name for this – Imposter Syndrome – or as the younger generation calls it, being a “poser.” It’s that feeling of pretending to have it all together while secretly wondering when everyone will figure out you have no idea what you’re doing.
When I First Felt Like an Imposter
The first time I truly felt like an imposter was when my son was born. I remember looking down at his tiny little face and thinking, I have no idea how to be a mother. I’d read all the books, watched all the shows, and gathered advice from everyone willing to share it, but when faced with reality, I was terrified.
But here’s the thing, he survived! He grew into an amazing man, and now he has wonderful children of his own. I did the best I could, and God filled in the gaps where I fell short.
Can anyone else relate to that feeling? You see other moms who look like they have it all together, but I’m convinced they’ve all had those same moments of doubt. We pick ourselves apart, think the worst-case scenario, and carry pressure that God never intended for us to bear.
A Moment of Doubt, and God’s Gentle Reminder
One time, I randomly did an Instagram Story after going to the hairdresser. For whatever reason, I must have been feeling a little inadequate about my blogging, because I ended the video by asking, “Why do you follow me?”
I wasn’t looking for a pat on the back; I was just genuinely curious. I fly by the seat of my pants most days, and sometimes I feel like a poser in this space.
Then, the comments started rolling in. So many women shared how I’d encouraged them or helped them see beauty in themselves again. I sat there reading message after message, completely overwhelmed. It was such a powerful reminder that God can use us even when we feel inadequate, because it’s not about our strength, it’s about His.
That moment reminded me of something I should never forget:
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
You Are Not an Imposter, You Are God’s Masterpiece
We are not impostors. We are God’s creation, designed with purpose and intention.
Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)
8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
I am God’s creation, His daughter, and I have a purpose. He is my maker, and I am not an imposter or a poser. He formed me in my mother’s womb, breathed life into me, and watches over me every moment of the day. So why would I ever doubt His craftsmanship?
When you question your worth, remember that you’re not measuring yourself against the world; you’re measuring against the One who made you. And to Him, you are altogether beautiful.
Song of Songs 4:7 (NIV)
7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling;
there is no flaw in you.
The Jar to Bucket Challenge
After reading all the uplifting comments from my followers, I went back on Stories to say thank you and to issue a little challenge. I’m calling it The Jar to Bucket Challenge.
No, this isn’t like the Ice Bucket Challenge (no cold water required, I promise!). Here’s what I want you to do:
- Grab a jar.
- Every time someone gives you a compliment, no matter how small, write it down on a slip of paper.
- Include the date and who said it.
- Example: 10-25-2025 – “The cashier at Target told me I had a beautiful smile.”
Here’s what will happen:
- You’ll become more aware of the small kindnesses that surround you every day.
- Writing down the compliment helps you believe it.
- You’ll start giving out more compliments yourself, and watch how it changes the atmosphere around you.
- On the hard days when you feel like a poser, open that jar and read a few slips. Remind yourself who you are and whose you are.
Over time, your Jar of Compliments might grow so full that you’ll need a bucket. That’s a beautiful visual reminder of how God’s truth and others’ kindness can fill us up when doubt tries to drain us.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Let’s End with a Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating us in Your image and reminding us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to silence the voice of doubt and replace it with Your truth. When we feel like imposters, remind us that You have called us by name and given us purpose. Fill our hearts with confidence rooted in You, not in what we can do alone. May we see ourselves and others through Your loving eyes.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today my husband was reading a book to our Great Granddaughter in the book it said always remember to love others and to remember to love yourself. It home with me because I can love others quicker than I can myself. So glad my Heavenly Father loves me for who I am. Also for giving me a Family who loves me dearly. Have a blessed week ahead. Thank you for all you do for us.
Beautiful, Tania. I had the same feelings as a new mother. My DIL just delivered our first grandchild and I will pass these wonderful thoughts on to her.
Congratulations on becoming a grandmother!!!
🙂Thank you for this wonderful “Jar to Bucket” challenge. I will give it a try
Thank you for this message!!!!!!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕
Thank you Tania for all the hard work you put into your blogs & for your Sunday messages. I always look forward to reading them. Have a blessed day.
Thank you again for sharing another special truth.
You are amazing on so many levels and in so many ways. Thank you so much!
God does work in mysterious ways but his messages are clear if we pay attention! I was sitting here feeling a little down on myself and read your post, and got the message. Thank you for being the messenger today!
I’m so glad that the Lord spoke to you today with this message.
I have always felt like an imposter. I don’t know why I have the many friends I have. But I’m afraid my jar would be so empty. I don’t get out very often, so I don’t receive many compliments. my outings are usually to see a doctor! Ha! Not going to get many compliments there! But I do tell myself I am the daughter of the King!
Madge, there are many way to receive compliments. Maybe you should start giving out compliments to those who probably don’t get many. Over worked and stressed cashiers are a good place to start.
Tania, perfect Bible lesson for all of us today !!