Are you a Christian entrepreneur, business owner, coach, creative, or service provider? Do you feel like a fraud sometimes on your faith journey? Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in the spaces God has placed you? That somehow, despite your skills and experience, you don’t deserve the success, opportunities, or leadership roles God called you to steward? You’re not alone, my brother and sister in Christ. Welcome to the silent struggle with imposter syndrome—a battle many Christian business owners and leaders face but often feel afraid to admit.
With imposter syndrome, you can often feel like you can’t do the business role you’re in because it’s different from anything you’ve ever done. In most cases, it’s true because God is wrapping and aligning your true purpose with your skills, gifts, talents, abilities, and His plans. Therefore, you’ve never done work in this area of purpose in this way before because you’re in a season of customization—not a one size fits all.
How Satan Uses Imposter Syndrome
Unfortunately, Satan’s use of imposter syndrome whispers lies that you are not good enough or that you’ve somehow “faked” your way into success. He wants you to feel like you’ll be exposed because you don’t have enough client testimonials or public reviews and validations. You may be the one online with the lowest views or you may be doing quite well, still the enemy spews ungodly thoughts into your mind to get your mind off of Jesus.
But here’s the truth—you were created on purpose, for a purpose, by the Purpose Giver—God Almighty. When He created you, He knew what He was doing and filled you with the gifts, skills, and talents you need to succeed in His way by His power and strength.
Therefore, this will highlight imposter syndrome and also reminds us that God’s Word offers us powerful promises to overcome the devil’s lies and walk boldly into His calling. Faith is all about trusting God and leaning on His everlasting promises. Faith isn’t about what you can do—it’s about what God can do. Here, you’ll discover biblical truths about imposter syndrome, practical strategies to combat its effects, and encouragement to step forward with faith and confidence as the soul-healthy leader God created you to be.
Christians and Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome isn’t new. While the term might be based on modern psychology, the struggle is ancient. Imposter syndrome can be described as acting out in ways that validate the belief that you’re not good enough for your title or role. You didn’t do well in something prior—a business, marriage, parenting, a career, etc or maybe you did. Now, nonetheless, you feel like a phony or fraud because the vision you’re leading is so big, and it challenges you to reach beyond your experience or expertise.
Even biblical people wrestled with feelings of inadequacy and insufficiency. It can also be connected to an inferiority complex.
“An inferiority complex is, ‘In psychology, an inferiority complex is a consistent feeling of inadequacy, often resulting in the belief that one is in some way deficient or inferior to others.’”[1]
I’m sure we all, being human and feeling the effects of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, experience imposter syndrome and feelings of inferiority complex at times.
Clues You’re Living as an Inferior Imposter:
- You don’t believe you deserve the things God gives you
- You don’t think you can live by faith and trust God to provide for your needs
- You still identify as a sinner, although you’re a new creation in Christ
- You rely on likes, views, and compliments to determine your worth
- You don’t think you have the skills to grow your business
- You’re afraid to share the gospel of Jesus Christ
- You can’t confidently express what you do
- You play down compliments and encouragement from others
- You’re afraid to move beyond your comfort zone
- You’re trying to be like someone else you admire
- You don’t charge enough for your services
- You feel doubtful and second guess yourself
- You’re shy about sharing your business with strangers in public
- You always try to get things perfect
- You worry about what everyone will think about you
Imposter Syndrome Scripture Passages
Here, I want to highlight some Scripture passages.
Genesis 31:1 KJV, And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
Exodus 3:11 KJV says, And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Numbers 13:33 KJV And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
1 Samuel 15:17 KJV And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?
1 Kings 19:4 KJV But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
Luke 5:8 KJV When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Luke 7:6 KJV Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
Matthew 25:25 KJV And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
John 21:17 KJV He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Biblical Examples of Imposter Syndrome
The biblical examples of people highlight areas of our lives we can identify with. In ancient times, women who were barren and couldn’t bear children felt inadequate. Also, take Moses, for instance—a humble man God chose to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He doubted that he was the right leader for the role. Are we forgetting? Like Moses, we often second-guess our calling and qualifications. But God knows exactly who you are and why He created you to do the commissioned assignment.
God’s response to Moses was firm: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). It wasn’t about Moses’ ability but God’s promise to lead and equip him, and the Lord is with you just the same if you put your trust in Him fully. When God calls you to pastor a church, lead a ministry, group, or a purpose-driven business venture, He wants to teach you how to do it. Therefore, you aren’t qualified because, as I’ve heard, “God qualifies the called.”
After that, Moses proceeded to say in Exodus 4:10 KJV, “And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”
Again, we must place our trust in the Lord.
When we lean on our own understanding, we risk feeling overwhelmed by our human limitations. We listen to Satan and begin to feel weighed down by intrustive thoughts of fear and anxiety. But when we trust in God’s sovereignty, we start to see in our lives and throughout the Scriptures—He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
Soul Check-up Questions for Imposter Syndrome
It’s time to check in on your soul.
- What areas of my soul feel crushed?
- Where do I feel overwhelming anxiety in my business or leadership role?
- What am I fearful of happening?
- Why do I feel like this?
- Who am I in Christ?
- Why do I doubt what God can do?
- Am I relying on my strength, or am I trusting God to lead?
- Do I trust God to provide financially?
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Imposter Syndrome and Identity in Christ
This unshakable truth lies at the core of overcoming imposter syndrome: Your identity is in Christ alone, not your looks, accomplishments, skills, talents or what you think everyone is or isn’t saying about you. Not to mention, most often, people just aren’t thinking about you as much as you think they are. Therefore, it’s more productive to focus your thoughts on the things above and be there to serve others.
In my prior post, I shared Why Your Identity in Christ Matters More Than Your Business Title. In that article, I encouraged you with the reminder that “True success isn’t about profits or recognition but faithfulness, love, and service. It’s about growing in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Success is about obedience and completing the course of life the Father called us to live in our Christian identity.”
It’s the enemy’s forte to attack our soul (mind, will, and emotions), self-worth, skills, intelligence, and achievements. That’s why we’re to be built up in our inner man—our spirit, where The Holy Spirit dwells. If not, you’ll continue being convinced by the devil that your value is in how well you perform and how influential you are to the world.
Scriptures to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Here are a handful of Scripture passages to remind you of what the Word of God says:
Isaiah 40:31 KJV, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Joshua 1:9 KJV, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Ephesians 2:6 KJV And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 2:10 KJV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Obviously, the Bible is overflowing with so much more encouragement than these few Scriptures, but this is a start. When you cling to the Lord Jesus Christ, rooted in His unchanging promises, imposter syndrome loses its grip, and grace fills your weaknesses, inadequacies, and inefficiencies.
Tell Satan and his imposters’ thoughts that you follow Christ, not those fake and phony thoughts. Stand on the Word of God and read it out loud when these unwelcome thoughts flood your mind.
Strengthen Your God-Given Talents
God has uniquely equipped you with spiritual gifts, skills, and talents to glorify Him in your calling. You discovered many of them years ago, but new ones are yet to be explored. You can lean on God’s promises when you submit to the Lord and allow Him to unlock your gifts and use your talents to develop and refine your skills.
As The Soul Coach, I help Christian visionaries deal with issues such as imposter syndrome and mindset blocks to build soul-healthy lives and profitable purpose-driven businesses through biblical principles. My framework involves soul work, too, which is spiritual and soul growth tied to our sanctification in Christ. Identifying and owning these gifts is key to combating self-doubt and living by faith.
Start by taking stock of the God-given strengths that set you apart in business and leadership.
Soul Check-Up Questions:
- What comes naturally to me?
- What do I like to do?
- What skills have others praised me for?
- How has God used me to serve others?
- How can my gifts and talents glorify God?
Please don’t downplay your strengths, as these gifts of strength aren’t random—they are intentional. Humility isn’t denying the gifts God has given you; it’s using them with confidence to honor Him and bless others. With prayer, faith, and persistence, you can sharpen these abilities to fulfill the Lord’s purpose in your life and business.
You Are More Than a Conqueror
Romans 8:37 reminds us that as followers of Christ, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” More than means greater than! Conquering is a win, but you extend the win. This means that no matter how much imposter syndrome tries to cripple your confidence, a surpassing victory is already yours in Christ.
God has called you to dream big, step out in faith, and walk boldly into your purpose. The next time doubt and imposter syndrome arise, remind yourself of this truth—your feelings do not define you. The unchanging Christ and the Word of God define you.
Believe it and walk in your victory of being more than a conqueror. Move forward in God’s strength, not your own. You are equipped with everything you need to thrive as a faithful servant and a soul-healthy and successful leader.
in conclusion
Soulful, you’re not an imposter, and overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey that requires you to lean on God’s sufficiency and walk in your Christian identity. Feeling inadequacy, inferiority, and self-doubt is not abnormal, especially if you’re growing a business and stepping into new territory. Embrace the truth that your worth is not determined by achievements or external validation but by your inherent value as a child of God.
You can move forward by leaning into the truth of God’s Holy Word. His Word is truth. Practice self-compassion and reflect on your accomplishments through the lens of faith. Don’t rely on likes, views, compliments, and rewards; instead, give those things to yourself by celebrating small victories. Ultimately, remember that you are not alone in this struggle, and you can choose not to live with imposter syndrome by changing your thoughts and working on your soul. With spiritual growth, soul work, time, and persistence, you can break free from the constraints of imposter syndrome and step boldly into your calling. God’s got you!
Soul Actions:
Write down three skills or talents you know you excel at.
Consider how your gifts, talents, and abilities can improve your business and help others.
Journal about why you need to overcome self-doubt and give it to God.
If this post about imposter syndrome has blessed you in any kind of way please share it with a couple of friends. God bless you.
