The Unexpected Blessing of Pushing Through Imposter Syndrome

Author Traci Shnider reads her devotional "The Unexpected Blessing of Pushing Through Imposter Syndrome" from the new book "Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best."“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 ESVGod is teaching me that feelings of imposter syndrome are a signal that He’s about to do something powerful through us.Do you ever feel unqualified for the doors God opens for you? I’ve been there.This past summer, my son found me standing in the dining room in a tear-soaked meltdown. Through blubbering words, I explained that I felt completely inadequate to join a monthly accountability group of writers. I knew I had some strengths, but I felt I lacked the technical skills needed to belong to such a talented circle of women.Imposter syndrome often convinces us we’re unqualified, even when evidence shows otherwise. But it’s more than self-doubt; it’s a spiritual attack. When we step into Kingdom work, the enemy works hard to make us feel hypocritical and unworthy.Honestly, I recognized the enemy was fighting hard against me, and I knew better than to buy his lie. Yet, here I was, ready to bow out of the group and throw in the towel on encouragement writing altogether. And that’s when my son pulled me into a hug and prayed over me. Later, I reached out to a friend who sweetly spoke the words of encouragement I needed to hear.God is teaching me that feelings of imposter syndrome are a signal that He’s about to do something powerful through us. Our job is to push through the doubt—and He doesn’t expect us to fight alone.Here’s how we fight back:* Pray: Ask God to remind you of who you are in Him. He equips you for everythingHe calls you to do.* Seek Support: Reach out to trusted Christian friends or family for prayer andencouragement. Even encouragers need encouragement sometimes.* Question the Enemy: When doubt creeps in, ask, What powerful thing is Godpreparing to do through me that you’re trying to stop? What are you scared of?If our efforts for God’s Kingdom didn’t matter, the enemy wouldn’t fight so hard against us. By joining that group, I gained friendship and accountability, new skills, and the unexpected blessing of contributing to this devotional.Friend, push through the battle. You never know what unexpected blessing God has waiting for you.Father, thank You for the power of prayer and encouragement from others to help me fight back against the enemy’s lies. I praise You for the doors You have opened in my life that have led to Your beautiful, unexpected blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.We'd love to hear in the comments below.What powerful thing might God be preparing to do through you that the enemy is trying to stop?Take a moment and write a prayer and ask Him for the courage to push through the doubts of imposter syndrome.Traci Shnider is a passionate encourager, sharing hope and inspiration drawn from her journey of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. Her mission is to help others experience true freedom by deeply rooting their lives in Jesus, growing in His grace, and blooming into their God-given purpose.As a motivational speaker, Traci inspires women at Christian conferences and events, empowering them to walk boldly in faith. She is a devotional writer that’s been featured in RenewYour Mind: 40 Days to Quiet the Lies Inside Your Head throughProverbs 31 Ministries.Traci is married to Eric, and together they have one adult son,and a quirky little terrier. In her downtime, she loves collecting seashells, painting, and unwinding with a good book on the breathtaking North Carolina coast she’s blessed to call home.You can connect with Traci and read more of her work on her website: tracishnider.com, on Facebook: @Traci Shnider-Writer and on Instagram: @traci_shnider.Have you picked up your copy of Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best?Our prayer is that in these 40 days, you will shift your perspective, trust God’s timing, lean into Jesus, and recognize His blessings in ways you never expected. Grab your copy today on AMAZON!Readings from the book Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best with* March 6: Nichole Suvar* March 13: Theresa M. Miller* March 20: Susan Davidson* March 27: Traci Shnider* April 2: Deborah Rutherford.Make sure you listen to our March 18 episode of the Author Series with with Rosann Coulon on March 18 plus upcoming guests Mikala Albertson, MD, Theresa M. Miller, Katie Sampias and Lori Ann Wood and TBA.BIG NEWS!!! Poetry book news:The Way Back Books is the new boutique publishing imprint from The Way Back to Ourselves, focusing on soul-care, authentic relationships, creative excellence, and telling “beauty from ashes” stories that beautify the Kingdom. My debut poetry collection, Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones will be released with Kimberly Phinney’s second poetry collection, Exalted Ground: Poems of Praise and Lament for the Living and Rosa Gilbert debut poetry collection.Be sure to sign up for Kimberly Phinney Book Launch Team for Exalted Ground at [email protected] to sign up with your name, email, and any social media handles and links to your writing you’d like to share.AND DON’T MISS:CULTIVATE 2025 EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL RETREAT with the Way Back to Ourselves Community.I am so excited to attend my friend Kimberly Phinney and the The Way Back To Ourselves for the Cultivate Retreat again this year. Come join faithful creative and leaders from all over the world in this exclusive virtual even taking place June 20-21. ON SALE TIX.May your days be full of God's goodness and love!DeborahDeborah Rutherford's Behold-Her Beauty is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deborahrutherford.substack.com/subscribe