In the summer of 2019 I was asked to tutor two Spanish speaking students. I have to admit, it was going to be a new and different experience for me. The family who hired me knew I was a teacher and automatically assumed that I would be great at teaching their children English. My first thought was, “Am I capable of teaching English to a Spanish speaking student?” The language barrier alone made me nervous. I had only been teaching for four years, and I had to admit that I was a little rusty when it came to remembering what I was taught in college about ESL students. So, I did what any sensible person would do: I watched YouTube videos on the best top teaching strategies for ESL to refresh my memory and skills. Finally, the day for tutoring came and I was still doubting myself. I felt like I was not worthy or capable of helping these students. I recognized this as Imposter Syndrome—when someone feels like the gifts God has placed in them don’t measure up and they think people will see right through their “facade”. The wonderful thing about God is He was already giving me a pep talk before I ever stepped foot in that room. As I planned the lesson material, the Holy Spirit began to give me great ideas and strategies. The enemy’s plan was for me to be discouraged and doubt the teaching gift that God put in me. As I neared the library, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this scripture: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared in advance for us to do.” Like every situation I’ll ever encounter, I had already been prepared for this day before the beginning of time. Can you fathom that? 

God has created you on purpose for a purpose. So, why do we doubt ourselves? Better yet, why do we doubt the very thing our Father designed us to do? Wouldn’t it be silly for a bird to doubt its purpose? Imagine a bird wandering around all its life not flying or chirping because it was unsure of its ability to do so. Likewise, the very things you are good at – whatever comes naturally to you than it does most people – is what you should be doing. Simple as that – and don’t think that you have to carry out this gift all by yourself. The Word of God says, “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 AMP) It gives God pleasure to work His gifts through you.

So, at the end of the day, not only will your gift satisfy a hunger and desire on the inside of you, but more importantly, it is for God to get the glory out of our lives. Because it is God who is working in us, our job is not to doubt ourselves, but to rest in His very capable hands.

Original post date: 06/13/2019

Edited: 08/27/2024