Day 4: Walking in Faith, Not in Fake

I was in a coaching session with a client who was struggling to adjust to a new work environment. A highly accomplished professor who just couldn’t seem to find assurance in their position and experience questioned if they were qualified.

The client said, “I’m grateful to have a seat at the table, but I still feel like I don't know enough. I guess I’ll just fake it until I make it.” It suggests that if you pretend to have confidence or skills, you will eventually truly possess them. But as believers, we’re called to something deeper than faking it. We’re called to walk in faith, not in “fake.”

When you “fake it,” you rely on your own strength and image, hoping others won’t see your fears and insecurities. It’s a temporary solution that doesn’t address the root issue of imposter syndrome. But when you walk in faith, you acknowledge that your confidence comes from God, not from pretending to be something you’re not.

Consider David facing Goliath. He didn’t fake confidence; he had real faith in God’s power. He didn’t pretend to be a seasoned warrior—he was a shepherd, but his faith was genuine. David’s victory didn’t come from faking bravery; it came from his unwavering trust in God. This is the difference between faking it and faith-ing it: Faking it relies on appearance, while faith-ing it relies on God’s truth and promises.

Imposter syndrome often tells us to “fake it” because we’re not enough as we are. But God calls us to live authentically in faith, trusting that He is enough. You don’t need to pretend to be more than you are because God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Walking in faith means embracing who God says you are and relying on His power to accomplish what you cannot do on your own.

The truth is, imposter syndrome is a tool the enemy uses to keep us from fully stepping into our calling. It makes us question if we are good enough, smart enough, or capable enough to do what God has called us to do. But the Word of God says otherwise.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), He has equipped us for every good work (Ephesians 2:10), and nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

Here’s what my client didn’t understand: There was no need to fake it. The fact that they were already at the table was proof that they had “made it.”

When we feel like an imposter, we’re actually doubting God’s creation and His calling on our lives. We are not inadequate; we are made in His image and empowered by His grace. And, whatever we lack, He will fill in the gaps for us. When we come up short, that’s a sign to seek His strength and guidance.

As you reflect, remember that these feelings are not from God. He has given you a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). You are equipped for the work He has called you to do. Don’t let the lies of the enemy convince you otherwise.

Today, choose to faith it, not fake it. Let go of the pressure to present a false front and instead, trust in God’s ability to carry you through every challenge. Your authenticity in Christ will always outshine any attempt to fake it.

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you relied on “faking it” instead of trusting God?
2. What would it look like for you to fully walk in faith, embracing your weaknesses?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to replace fake confidence with genuine faith?

Affirmations:

• I walk in faith, not in fake.
• My confidence comes from God, not from pretending.
• I trust in God’s power to work through my weaknesses.