There are several biblical examples of women who doubted themselves but were chosen anyway. These women’s stories often begin with doubt and low self-worth—so much so that divine encounters felt out of place.

The Samaritan Woman (John 4):
Burdened by the reputation of five failed marriages and social ostracization, she likely felt unworthy and lived in shame. Jesus broke social norms to speak with her, revealing Himself as the Messiah and transforming her into the first missionary to Samaria. Despite being viewed through a negative lens, this woman was chosen to do something that had never been done before. It took courage to push through the familiarity people had with her past and still make a difference through missionary work.
What parts of your past keep you embarrassed or make you doubt that you can be useful?

Rahab (Joshua 2):
As a prostitute in Jericho, she was likely seen as irredeemable by society. Despite her background, she was chosen to protect the Israelite spies and became part of the lineage of Jesus. Prostitution is one of the oldest professions on earth, and emphasis is often placed on the woman selling her body, with the acts viewed as despicable. However, God still saw Rahab as useful and precious. Most people have skeletons in their closets that prevent them from stepping into what they are called to do.
What parts of your past give you pause about doing something big in your present or future?

Leah (Genesis 29–30):
Unloved and rejected by her husband, Jacob, Leah felt despised. She turned to God in her brokenness, and He honored her by making her the matriarch of the tribes of Levi (the priestly line) and Judah (the kingly line). This speaks to the woman who feels insignificant to the people closest to her—the ones who should cherish her most. Rejection can breed doubt in a woman’s capabilities and make her feel unworthy. Yet God often uses the overlooked and unloved to propel generations forward.
Do you feel rejected by family, and is that causing you to doubt your ability to achieve your goals?

The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5):
Labeled “unclean” for twelve years, she was an outcast who likely doubted whether she even deserved to be in public. She approached Jesus with fear and trembling, yet He called her “Daughter” and healed her. Even though society labeled her as dirty because of her health condition, she was beloved by Jesus. It took courage for her to focus not on the crowd but on the source of her healing. Your identity does not lie in society.
Are you letting society dictate your identity, or do you see yourself as God sees you?

Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1):
A young, poor, and uneducated girl from a disregarded town, Mary likely felt insignificant in the eyes of society. Yet she was chosen to bear the Son of God. This reminds me of women who come from humble beginnings. Countless women have lived in poverty or faced tragedy, only to emerge triumphant through perseverance. They often feel overlooked not only by society but sometimes by family and friends as well.
What have you been chosen to carry or create, yet feel unqualified or insignificant to do?

Hannah (1 Samuel 1):
Consumed by grief and feelings of worthlessness due to infertility, Hannah described herself as one who had “poured out [her] soul before the Lord.” God heard her prayer and used her to bring forth Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets. Hannah’s story reminds us that we are all created to fulfill a purpose and to be fruitful. Sometimes we give birth—figuratively—to solutions for the problems we see in society.
What problem have you been called to solve?

These stories highlight that God often chooses those who feel unqualified, using their brokenness or insecurity to demonstrate His strength and grace. After answering these questions, I hope you are able to choose faith over the feeling of being a fraud. You deserve to be in that room—and you were created to shift that room.

Begin the journey of choosing faith over fraud today. Nekeshia at Meraki Counseling can help you make that shift.