Moses Had Impostor Syndrome and God Used Him Anyway

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Moses

When your doubts are louder than your faith, but God still calls your name.

There’s a moment in Exodus that always hits uncomfortably close for me. Moses, standing before a burning bush, has just been told by God that he’s been chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Instead of falling to his knees in awe, he panics. He argues. He gives God a very long list of reasons why He’s got the wrong guy.

I get it.

Because I’ve been there—in the middle of transition, called into something new or stretching, heart pounding, palms sweating, wondering, “Why me?” Maybe you have too.

The Divine Interruption No One Asked For

A few years ago, I was navigating a messy season of leadership. I had stepped into a new role at my church—one I never asked for, never dreamed of, and honestly, didn’t think I had the emotional capacity to handle. People looked to me for vision, structure, answers. Meanwhile, I was just trying to make it through meetings without spiraling into self-doubt.

I prayed a lot. Mostly variations of:

“God, are you sure?”

“Maybe you meant to pick someone else?”

“Are you seeing what I see when I look in the mirror?”

And then one morning, sitting alone with my coffee and cracked-open Bible, I landed in Exodus 3. Moses, barefoot before a miracle, said:

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, NIV)

Same, Moses. Same.

The Hebrew Heart of Insecurity

The phrase “Who am I?” in Hebrew—“mi anokhi”—carries more than just confusion. It’s a statement of deep internal uncertainty. “Why me? I’m nobody. I don’t have what it takes.” It echoes the way many of us feel in seasons of transition: unsure of our voice, unsteady in our identity, and unconvinced of our value.

But here’s what changed everything for me—and for Moses: God didn’t answer Moses’ question with a pep talk. He answered with a promise.“I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)

Three Lessons for the Spiritually Underqualified

If you’ve ever felt like the least likely person in the room, good news. You’re in good company. Here are three truths that have grounded me when impostor syndrome whispers louder than calling:

1. God calls the willing, not the ready.

Moses wasn’t “ready.” His past was a mess, his confidence was fractured, and he couldn’t even speak clearly (Exodus 4:10). But God didn’t wait for Moses to have it all together.He called him as he was and equipped him as he went.

Psychologists call this “impostor phenomenon”—a persistent belief that you’re not as competent as others think you are. But in God’s economy, your lack isn’t a liability—it’s a place for Him to show up in power (2 Corinthians 12:9). His strength is made perfect in weakness, not résumé bullet points.

2. God’s presence is the promise, not your performance.

When Moses asked who he was, God answered with who He is.“I AM who I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

The Hebrew here—Ehyeh asher Ehyeh—can be translated “I will be what I will be.” It’s a God who will be enough, even when we’re not. Your confidence doesn’t come from your ability to perform. It comes from His promise to be present.

In seasons of leadership or change, when you feel like you’re faking your way through each meeting or ministry decision, remember: you’re not the main character in your calling—God is.

3. Calling includes a process. And fear. And probably some therapy.

Moses didn’t walk off the mountain and immediately crush it. He wrestled. He resisted. He relied heavily on his brother Aaron. And honestly? That’s okay.

Therapists often say that impostor syndrome thrives in isolation and comparison. When we hide our fear or measure our journey against others, our inner critic gets louder.

What helped Moses (and what helps us) is the relationship. God didn’t just call him once—He kept speaking, guiding, and reassuring. This is what psychologists call secure attachment. God keeps showing up, even when we’re spiraling.

If you’re in a transitional season, consider inviting in both spiritual and emotional support: a mentor, a small group, a therapist. Healing and confidence are both part of the journey.

You Don’t Have to Feel Ready—Just Willing

Maybe today, you’re standing at your own metaphorical burning bush. A new season. A big decision. A terrifying opportunity. And like Moses, every voice in your head is telling you you’re not enough.

But listen: God’s voice is louder.

He doesn’t choose based on ease, experience, or eloquence. He chooses based on obedience. And He walks with the ones who say yes, even if their yes is shaky, slow, and whispered through clenched teeth.

Reflection & Resources

• Read: Exodus 3–4

• Reflect: Where have I been resisting God because I feel unqualified?

• Resource: “The Soul of Shame” by Curt Thompson (a great Christian neuroscience-based book on overcoming internal narratives)

• Pray: “God, help me to see myself the way You do. Remind me that I don’t go alone.”

Moses had impostor syndrome, and God used him anyway. Not because Moses believed in himself, but because he believed God enough to go.

So here’s your call to action: Don’t wait to feel confident. Just take the next step. Burning bushes don’t show up every day, but obedience does.

You’re not too small. You’re not too late. And God didn’t get the wrong person. He chose you. On purpose.

Go anyway.