A Biblical Mindset for Confidence
Ilona Maher, imposter syndrome, and bragging rights.
Pre-P.s. scroll to the bottom for some fun things coming up!
I recently saw this video that has gone viral of Ilona Maher talking about imposter syndrome, or rather her lack of it.
If you’re not familiar with the term, imposter syndrome is essentially when you feel like you’re a table you don’t deserve to be at, at a party that is out of your league, or doing something you’re not qualified to do, just to give you an overview idea.
When asked how she dealt with it, Ilona boldly and without taking a second to pause responds, “Oh, I don’t have that.”
The interviewer is taken aback for a second, because that’s not usually the response we hear, as it’s assumed something we all should struggle with (especially as women), as Ilona points out. And, as she explains further, she says that she is well aware of the work she has put in to get her to where she is today. She knows she earned it, because she was there for all the hard work that went into it.
And she’s right! It’s as if somewhere along the way we are taught (intentionally or unintentionally) that playing small with our gifts, minimizing our efforts, and downplaying the things that God has done in our life is what is really expected of us.
Um…what?!
I don’t know about you, but when I had the realization several years ago myself that it actually *doesn’t* honor God to talk small about what He’s doing in my life or who he has created me to be, I had this moment of incredible freedom that was rooted in a holy confidence and has continued to shape me to this day. It’s a holy confidence, one that hope I pass on to as many people as possible—including you! Because I believe this is one major area where God has so much joy and delight for us, but the enemy comes so quickly to make us doubt it, fear it, or flat out reject it.
Here’s the thing—it doesn’t honor God when we act like he hasn’t done this mighty work in our lives. It does bring him glory when we boast about what we have seen him do, in us, through us, and around us.
These passages below immediately came to my mind as I reflected on what Ilona was talking about with a Biblical mindset for holy confidence:
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.” Mark 5:18-20
Likewise, in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 Paul also writes a similar sentiment:
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Friend, if you have invited God into your life and he has done a mighty work in you, and through you, don’t act like he hasn’t! Please don’t hold back on celebrating that! IT BRINGS HIM GLORY to hear that you are so grateful for the way he’s crafted you, called you, and equipped you. Likewise, as you see him do mighty things in those around you—call it out! Be so PROUD of how God is showing up lovingly, faithfully, and powerfully in our world, in every day miracles and through vessels like you and I. He doesn’t have to, but he does! What a gift, right?!
Christians should be the greatest hype friends for one another and for what God is doing in us because of the work we have borne witness too in our lives and the lives of others walking the road of faith. That is not just hard work, my friend, it’s holy.
You’ve seen him restore, heal, and save with your own eyes, in the depths of your soul as well as around you. You’ve even been invited to partner with him in his Kingdom work here on earth!
So let’s not buy the lie that we haven’t seen miracles, haven’t been created by God and for him with gifts and purpose. Let’s not live with the mindset that says it’s prideful to act like have strengths and certain things make us come alive. Let’s reject the mentality that we have to feel like we don’t deserve the fruit of what God in his GOOD GRACE has given freely and continues to work out in us—because he’s the only one with the right to say what we do or don’t deserve and he says the exact opposite of what the world is telling you—not because of what we’ve ever done but because of WHO we are in Him.
Here’s a real life example of how you can rewire this mindset to something more biblical: When someone compliments the growth they’ve seen in you or something you are doing well, don’t respond with “It’s not a big deal!” Because friend, it very much is. Take moments like this to rewire the way you think about boasting by not rejecting the BLESSING of being used and shaped by God! You can say things in return like, “Thank you so much for seeing his goodness in me! It’s been such a journey and I’m so grateful he has been with me every step of the way.” Or is someone tells you that you did such a great job at something, you can rely, “Thank you! I really love getting to use the gifts God has given me this way and I’m so grateful for the opportunity!”
Appreciating what God has done and is doing in your life (rather than acting like it didn’t happen) acknowledges your invitation to let him do the work in you and your willingness to do the hard things in the process while at the same time is giving the full credit to the One it belongs to.
When you are grateful for what God has done and is doing, you’ll be confident, not conceited. It will rewire your brain to lean into the holy confidence that we can have when we are remember WHO is doing the work that is bringing the fruit (that’s God!) as well as being grateful for the vessel he is using (whether that’s us or those around us!).
So, my encouragement to you is this: Go tell your friends what God has done! Who he has crafted you to be! How he is bringing you joy in the work he has invited you too! And so much more. As his kid, you have a bragging right to boast about God!
Let’s practice right now: What is one thing you are so grateful he created you to do or love? Something that makes you feel so alive and want to bring him glory with?!
✨I have 4 coaching sessions available for February! Claim your spot here! (I can help with seasonal strategy, faith based business, biblical mindsets, clarity + calling, and more! If you could use some support in your season—I’m your girl!)
✨I had the absolute joy of being on a TWO incredible podcasts in January! I’m linking the episodes and the IG for the hosts below. Be sure to give them a follow—I’ve learned so much from these women and was so grateful for the chance to talk about the Shepherd Tour, biblical mindsets, and so much more with them!
Finding Belonging in Psalm 23 on Humble and Radiant with Olyesa Kayton
Abundance on the Tell His Story Podcast with Shea McWhorter
✨I actually mentioned this on the podcasts as well, but haven’t shared the news anywhere else! I am getting ready to launch a new podcast! AHHHH!!! I’ve been praying about this for a while now and have been praying and writing and can’t wait to share more about it, hopefully coming in February! It’ll be one more way I can offer Biblical coaching and share the fires in my bones about the GOSPEL in our every day lives! I’d love for you to pray with me about it! AND if you have a second, I’d love to hear from you! Keep reading for how you can help (in addition to prayer!)
In the comment section below (or email me privately!), please share: What is a mindset (or mindsets) you currently struggle with or something you wish you had more clarity on? Examples could be guilt, anger, fear, anxiety, how to do what you feel created to do in your season, identifying your gifts, building a community, etc. Thank you in advance, I really value your feedback!
Grateful for you!
Rachel