Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
WRITTEN BY: Tecia Pelling, WSC Global Communications
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome? You know, that persistent feeling of self-doubt or fear of not being “good enough” for the roles you’ve been given? That feeling in the depths of your stomach that makes you think everyone else has it all together while you are barely holding on?
Friend, you are not alone.
Perhaps you wonder if people will uncover this secret that’s hidden in your heart. That they’ll find out that you’re not as capable or strong as you appear to be. I want you to know that you’re in good company. I’ve felt this way, too. Often and deeply.
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome? You are not alone.
When Self-Doubt Takes the Lead
This topic of Imposter Syndrome resonated with me during a WSC team discussion, and I started asking myself questions like “Why do we experience imposter syndrome?” and “Who in the Bible experienced this?” I thought about when I felt it most recently, just a few months ago when I was asked to speak at a women’s conference.
There were four ladies asked to speak and I was told I would end the conference as the closing speaker. I immediately thought with sarcasm, “Aren’t I lucky?” And began to question myself, “Why do they want me to end the conference? Am I really the right person to wrap up this whole thing?”
The self-doubt was overwhelming. I felt unqualified. I was the only speaker who didn’t write a book or have resources to purchase. But I was also excited, because I haven’t spoken at very many conferences and I was just so grateful to be asked at all! The overwhelm and excitement battled for the loudest voice in my head knowing they tasked me to be the end to the whole conference! No, not me! Couldn’t be. The closer? I didn’t feel ready.
“The self-doubt was overwhelming. I felt unqualified.”
Learning From Peter’s Story
As I was experiencing this Imposter Syndrome myself, I wanted to know if anyone in the Bible did, too. The more I searched, the more surprised I became. Many notable figures in the Bible dealt with self-doubt, including Eve, Abraham, Moses, Esther, Naomi, Jeremiah, Samuel, and the list continues. However, one person’s experience stood out to me: Peter.
Peter, one of Jesus’ most trusted disciples, who walked closely with Him, heard his words daily, experienced his teachings, witnessed his miracles, and felt his love tangibly. This Peter struggled with how he thought others perceived him.
Peter’s story is relatable because it highlights his humanity. He faced weaknesses, real fears, and flaws. He experienced incredible highs and crushing lows, moments of fierce loyalty to Jesus, and times when his courage faltered. Yet throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently and openly affirmed Peter's purpose.
“Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently and openly affirmed Peter's purpose.”
Peter was the only person, besides Jesus, to walk on water. He was the man Jesus referred to as the rock upon which he would build his church, and he called Peter to be a “fisher of men” rather than a fisherman of fish. Yes, this Peter who was affirmed publicly and audibly by Jesus still felt like an imposter! Even with Jesus words of truth and identity ringing in his ears, Peter struggled deeply with self-doubt and regret.
From Failure to Redemption
And then, he blew it. Peter denied Jesus three times on the night of Jesus' arrest. His self-doubt became so overwhelming that the man who spoke truth about him was no longer trusted, either.
Imagine the crushing guilt and unworthiness Peter must have felt after this struggle. Just a few chapters earlier, he had walked on water and fed 5,000 people. But now, he was a failure. He probably felt inadequate to live up to his role as a disciple, as the rock.
But the story doesn’t end there.
After Jesus’ resurrection, he didn’t lecture Peter or demand an apology; instead, he offered him love and redemption. Jesus sat with Peter, looked him in the eye, and asked a simple question three times: “Do you love me?”
Each time Peter responded “yes,” and Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus wasn’t just forgiving Peter, he was restoring him and inviting him back into the purpose he had set for him from the beginning. Jesus demonstrated that Peter’s past mistakes didn’t negate his calling. Peter’s worth was rooted in Jesus’ love, not his own performance. He was more than his failures, and Jesus still wanted him on his team.
An Invitation to Trust
I thought about Peter’s story as the conference drew nearer, feeling slightly more equipped and slightly less alone. But when, I walked in and saw all the books and resources from the other speakers, those feelings hit me all over again. I quietly sat and asked the Lord, “Are you sure you want me?” Then said to myself, again with some sarcasm, “I hope I don’t disappoint the ladies.”
As I sat there with watery eyes I felt the whisper of the Holy Spirit say, “Is this about you being qualified or me being qualified?” I love how Jesus shows up in our questions and asks us questions.
If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome and feelings of not being enough, I want you to read this and imagine I’m sitting beside you, looking you in the eyes, speaking to your soul as you read these next words: just like Peter, you are seen, loved, and wanted by Jesus.
He isn’t focused on your mistakes or shortcomings. Jesus knows every detail of your journey and still calls you to “feed his sheep,” inviting you to step into the life and purpose he has for you.
Like Peter, we don’t need to have everything figured out, especially when we fall short of our own and others’ expectations. We simply need to bring our love and willingness to Jesus, and He’ll take care of the rest.
So, the next time you feel a wave of self-doubt rising, remember Peter’s story. Remember my story. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect; he just asks us to be faithful and to keep showing up.
God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He just asks us to be faithful and to keep showing up.
Peter went on to do incredible things—not because he never failed, but because he trusted the One who called him. That same invitation is extended to you today.
You are not defined by your past or your doubts. Jesus sees you for who you are and who you can be, and he’s with you every step of the way. So keep moving forward, knowing that his grace is enough to carry you through anything.
About the Author
Tecia has been in ministry for over 20 years and currently serves as the Connections Pastor at Real Life in Clermont. She is passionate about developing leaders and especially loves helping women discover their purpose and calling in the local church. Through years of dedicated service, Tecia has made a significant impact by nurturing growth, developing leaders, and empowering individuals to realize their God-given potential. Tecia currently resides in Clermont with her husband, Scott of 21 years and they have 2 boys Joshua and John. Their heart is to one day open up a special needs home where other families can come and find rest in their journey.