²⁷ Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. ²⁸ God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. ²⁹ As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 [NLT]

I believe today’s daily bread entry could be speaking to many of us, especially for those of us that sometimes experience what they call, “impostor syndrome”. It’s that kind of feeling where you are saying something, or act in a certain way in order to project confidence, but yet you still somehow feel like a total fraud. I do know enough about this from my own personal experience to understand what it feels like a lot of the times.

For some of us, it could be because of our own sense of inadequacy, or maybe we feel like we are not qualified enough to be talking about a certain subject matter, or that we lack the confidence, but are trying to fake it until we find that confidence we seek.

I could also say the very same thing about doing these daily devotional entries. There are moments where I still wonder who would ever pay attention to what I have to share/write. I mean, when you really consider everything in my life right now, I am by far, the furthest person you would consider as qualified to share messages from the word of God. And yes, there are times where I wondered if others would think that I’m a fraud, and impostor. Or that I’m just faking it as I go.

start By Acknowledging How We Feel About Ourselves

By now, I think this constant/regular feeling of feeling like an impostor/fraud is quite normal. It is especially true in situations where we find ourselves doing something that we don’t normally do. This is also very normal in situations at work when you have been handed a new assignment and responsibility and given a chance to prove yourself. But in reality, you know that you don’t quite have the skills, or level of skills or qualification to meet the challenge yet. So, yes, taking it on will feel scary at first. You will feel like you’re out of your league, so to speak.

This experience that we have, it is something that we ought to acknowledge and accept as something normal. Instead of trying to reject it or ignore it like we sometimes would. It is okay to feel like you’re not good enough, or that you don’t have the qualifications for a particular role/job/title/responsibilities, etc.

God Can Use Any One of Us

If there is anything that I’ve learned from the last 8~9 years of my life, it is this – I have learned that God can some times use the least among us to accomplish something great, something wonderful; not so that He could shame the proud or the arrogant. But rather to humble them. Interestingly enough, now that I think about this whole entire message, I have actually been on both sides of that equation.

I’ve been on the side where I feel like a total impostor because God had blessed me with an opportunity that seems too important and I wasn’t sure that I was good enough to take it on. But I did, and in the early days/months of taking on the assignment/job, I still felt like a fraud/impostor at times. And I have also been on the other side where I allowed my own pride to get in my way. I thought I knew all the answers, I thought I had the best plans and ideas, but He then used someone else that is less experienced and qualified to humble me down.

This entire experience has taught me that God can use any one of us. It doesn’t matter whether we think we are good enough, or whether we are ready for that responsibility, or if we are in a qualified position to speak/share the message about something. If we are willing to humble ourselves before Him, and learn to put Him first everyday of our lives, He can/will use us at some point for speak His message to the world. I believe the same is also true in the secular world outside of our faith.

Speak Genuinely and Plainly.

Here’s another really interesting lesson that I’ve learned about speaking to people. I mean, it’s not necessarily in a verbal context. These days with the power of social media, sometimes our message can be posted online and it will still touch people halfway around the world.

When we speak to people (in general), the best way to reach them isn’t by using fancy words (or saying things that will appease them) so that we could get their attention. Put it plainly, don’t just say what you think they want to hear. Speak the honest truth. By being honest and genuine about ourselves, and our experiences/lessons, and then incorporating those experiences into our message, that is how we can not only reach more people, but also at times make a real impact.

I have never once considered myself to be some kind of influential speaker. Far from it. But I did learn through my own experience of sharing online that other people are always seeking that connection. They might not have the courage to talk about their own struggles or experiences because they are afraid that they might be the only one going through it. But once they realize that they are not alone, they will start to make that connection.

To be an effective communicator, we must first make ourselves relatable to the people that we are trying to speak to. We need to be able to build that connection with them. It is only after we have managed to build that connection/trust that they will become more receptive to whatever message we are trying to deliver.

Personal Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for speaking to me today about my own sense of inadequacy, and also how I still feel like a major fraud some times. I understand now that it is okay for me to feel that way about myself some times. It doesn’t mean that I am any less qualified or good at what I can do. It just means that there is a new opportunity for me to learn and to grow into something more.

Thank You for also reminding me that anyone can be your mouthpiece in this life. They can be your messenger, and we should always be humble enough and ready to listen and follow.

As I continue to remain humble, I know that You can also use me in Your very own ways to help speak truth and power to different things in our lives. The message that I can help to bring doesn’t mean that I am powerful, or that I am very smart. This is not about me. But it is about You. It is about how powerful You are that You would use someone as lowly as myself to speak that message.

And if You can use me, You can use anyone.

I vow to give You all of my praise, and all of the glory. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.