Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Christian Entrepreneur
Understanding the difference between your identity and your process changes everything about stepping into your next level.
The Voice That Shows Up When You’re About to Level Up
You know that voice.
The one that gets louder the closer you get to launching.
The one that whispers when you’re about to step into something bigger: “Who do you think you are? You’re still struggling with the same things you want to help others overcome. You’re not healed enough. You’re not ready.”
If you’re an aspiring coach building towards your first paid client, that voice says: “You don’t have enough experience. What if they ask you something you don’t know?”
If you’re an experienced professional pivoting into ministry or coaching, that voice says: “You’re starting over. Everyone else is ahead of you. Your corporate credentials don’t matter here.”
If you’re a seasoned leader about to expand your impact, that voice says: “You’ve hit your ceiling. This next level isn’t for people like you.”
Here’s what I need you to understand about that voice: It’s lying to you by confusing your identity with your process.
And there’s a massive difference between the two.
What Jesus Called Peter in His Weakest Moment
Let me show you something in Scripture that changed everything for me.
Luke 22. The night before Jesus is crucified. He’s sitting with Peter at the Last Supper, and He says something extraordinary:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)
Notice something critical here: Jesus calls him “Simon.”
Not Peter. Not “the rock.”
Jesus had already renamed him Peter—meaning “rock”—years earlier in Matthew 16. This was Peter’s new identity. His calling. His prophetic name.
But in this moment, when addressing his weakness, his failure, his old nature that’s about to spectacularly surface, Jesus says “Simon, Simon.”
He’s not revoking Peter’s identity. He’s addressing the old nature that still exists alongside it.
The Two Realities Living Inside Every Believer
Here’s what blew my mind when I saw this pattern: God can give you a new identity and you can STILL struggle with your old nature. Both exist at the same time.
When fear shows up before you launch? That’s your “Simon.”
When shame whispers you’re disqualified because of past mistakes? That’s your “Simon.”
When you doubt your calling because you’re still in process? That’s your “Simon.”
When you feel like a fraud because you haven’t “arrived” yet? That’s your “Simon.”
But your “Peter”—your new identity in Christ, your calling, your anointing—hasn’t changed.
Real-Life Example: The Aspiring Coach
Meet Sarah (not her real name). She’s a survivor of domestic abuse who’s been free for three years. She’s done the therapy, the healing work, the boundary-setting. She’s rebuilding her life and wants to help other women escape abuse and rebuild.
But she’s paralysed.
Why? Because last month, she had a panic attack when she ran into her ex at the shops. She froze. All the old fear came flooding back.
Her “Simon” said: “See? You’re not healed. How can you help anyone when you’re still triggered?”
But her “Peter”? Her Peter knows she’s survived, rebuilt, and learned how to set boundaries. Her Peter knows other women need exactly what she’s learned. Her panic attack doesn’t erase three years of transformation.
Her Simon doesn’t disqualify her Peter.
The Theological Truth That Will Set You Free
There are two things happening simultaneously in every believer, and understanding the difference changes everything:
Justification = Your New Identity (Instant & Complete)
The moment you’re in Christ, you ARE Peter, the rock. This is positional truth. It’s done. Finished. Sealed.
You don’t earn it. You don’t work towards it. You don’t become “qualified enough” for it.
It’s a gift. It’s complete. It’s permanent.
Sanctification = Your Old Nature Dying (Progressive & Ongoing)
Simon is dying daily. This is the process of transformation. It’s progressive. It’s ongoing. It won’t be complete until you see Jesus face to face.
You’re being refined, renewed, matured. Some days it feels like progress. Other days it feels like you’re back at square one.
It’s a journey. It’s messy. It’s real.
Here’s the Part That Changes Everything
Your calling is based on justification (new identity), not sanctification (completion of process).
Read that again. Let it sink in.
Peter was called to strengthen others based on who Jesus said he was—Peter, the rock—NOT based on whether his old nature (Simon) had fully died.
Jesus commissioned Peter while Simon was still very much alive. While he was about to fail spectacularly. While he was still in process.
Because the calling doesn’t require perfection. It requires willingness.
Why You Can Be Called While Still Healing
Your calling is based on your NEW identity in Christ, not on whether your old nature has fully been crucified.
Let me paint you three scenarios:
Scenario 1: The Career Pivot
James spent 15 years in corporate finance. He was excellent at his job, respected, well-paid. But he felt a pull towards ministry, specifically helping young men navigate career and purpose.
His Simon said: “You’re 40. You have no theology degree. You’ve never done ministry. Everyone will see through you.”
But his Peter? James had 15 years of wisdom navigating corporate politics, managing difficult personalities, and making strategic decisions under pressure. Young men desperately need that wisdom wrapped in faith.
His lack of formal ministry experience doesn’t cancel his calling. His justification (identity as someone called to mentor) is already complete. His sanctification (learning ministry skills) is in process.
Scenario 2: The Experienced Coach Expanding
Linda has been coaching for five years in the business realm. Successful. Booked solid. But she keeps feeling pulled towards integrating faith into her coaching and serving Kingdom women specifically.
Her Simon said: “You’ll lose credibility. Your secular clients will think you’ve gone weird. You’ll have to start over. What if the Christian market doesn’t accept you?”
But her Peter? Linda has spent five years refining coaching frameworks that actually work. Christian women need those frameworks delivered with biblical foundations.
Her uncertainty about the transition doesn’t disqualify her calling. She’s not starting from zero. She’s bringing her Peter into a new context while her Simon screams about risk.
Scenario 3: The Ministry Leader Scaling
Pastor Michelle has led a women’s ministry for eight years in her local church. She’s seeing God move. Lives are transforming. But she keeps sensing God saying: “Think bigger. Online. Global.”
Her Simon said: “You’re just a local church leader. Who are you to think you can reach women globally? There are bigger names, better speakers, more qualified leaders.”
But her Peter? Michelle has eight years of proven fruit. Women’s lives have been transformed under her leadership. God didn’t give her that fruit to keep it local.
Her fear of visibility doesn’t cancel her calling. Her Peter assignment is expanding. Her Simon just doesn’t want to come along for the ride.
The Pattern Jesus Established
Look at what Jesus said to Peter: “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Not “if.”
Not “after you’ve been perfect for five years.”
Not “once you’ve proven you’ll never fail again.”
When.
Because Jesus knew three things:
- Peter was going to fail (deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed)
- Peter was going to turn back (restoration was guaranteed)
- Peter’s failure would actually make him MORE qualified to strengthen others, not less
The failure didn’t disqualify the calling. The restoration activated it.
What Happened After Peter’s Failure
After the resurrection, Peter didn’t need years of therapy before Jesus recommissioned him.
John 21 shows us Jesus restoring Peter over breakfast with three questions: “Do you love me?” Three times. Once for each denial.
And then? Peter preached at Pentecost and 3,000 people were saved. He became a pillar of the early church. He led with boldness, courage, and a deep empathy for those who’d failed.
Why? Because he failed first.
He knew what it felt like to be broken and restored. His failure gave him compassion that his success never could have.
His Simon equipped his Peter.
What This Means for Your Next Level
If you’re standing at the edge of something bigger—a launch, a pivot, an expansion—and that voice is getting louder, here’s what you need to know:
Your Simon Struggles Don’t Disqualify Your Peter Assignment
The comfort you’re receiving while still healing? That’s exactly what someone else needs.
The freedom you’re walking into while still in process? That’s the hope someone is desperate to see.
The breakthrough you’re experiencing while still battling the giant? That’s the proof someone needs that transformation is possible.
Your story becomes someone else’s strategy. Not after it’s finished. While you’re still writing it.
Stop Waiting for Simon to Die Before You Step Into Peter
Jesus didn’t wait for Peter’s old nature to completely die before commissioning him.
You don’t need to wait either.
Your ongoing struggle with fear doesn’t mean you’re not called to teach courage.
Your current battle with people-pleasing doesn’t mean you can’t help others set boundaries.
Your process of healing from trauma doesn’t mean you can’t walk alongside others who are earlier in the journey.
You just need to be further along the path than they are. That’s it.
Your Process Doesn’t Cancel Your Purpose
Here’s what’s true simultaneously:
- Your Simon is real (old nature, ongoing struggles, areas still being refined)
- Your Peter is real (new identity, calling, anointing, assignment)
Both exist. One doesn’t cancel the other.
The enemy wants you to think they’re contradictory. That if you’re still struggling, you can’t possibly be called.
That’s a lie.
Your calling is based on justification (who Jesus says you are), not sanctification (how far along you are in the process).
The Self-Doubt That Shows Up at Every Level
Here’s what I’ve learned working with hundreds of women stepping into calling:
Self-doubt doesn’t go away when you level up. It just gets more sophisticated.
- Level 1 (Aspiring): “I’m not qualified. I don’t have credentials.”
- Level 2 (Beginning): “I got my first client, but what if I can’t help them?”
- Level 3 (Established): “I’m successful here, but who am I to expand?”
- Level 4 (Scaling): “There are bigger names. Why would anyone choose me?”
At every level, your Simon shows up with new ammunition.
But at every level, your Peter identity remains the same: You are who Jesus says you are.
The Questions to Ask When Self-Doubt Shows Up
When that voice starts talking, ask yourself:
- Is this my Simon or my Peter talking?
Simon will always tell you you’re not ready. Peter knows who Jesus says you are. - Am I confusing my identity with my process?
Your identity is complete (justification). Your process is ongoing (sanctification). Don’t let the second steal from the first. - What if this struggle is actually part of my qualification?
What if the very thing you think disqualifies you is what makes you credible, empathetic, and trustworthy? - Who needs to see that transformation is possible in the middle?
Someone is waiting for proof that you don’t have to be perfect to be called. You’re that proof.
Moving from Self-Doubt to Self-Trust
Understanding Simon and Peter is the first step. But knowledge alone doesn’t shift behaviour.
You need a framework for moving from paralysing self-doubt to Spirit-led confidence.
That’s why I created the 7-Day SLAY Self-Doubt Shift—a practical framework that helps you:
- Name the lie your Simon is telling you
- Identify the root fear driving the doubt
- Anchor your Peter identity in Scripture
- Take one obedient action despite the fear
- Build momentum through small, faithful steps
Because here’s the truth: Your Simon will never give you permission to step into your Peter calling.
You have to move anyway.
Not because you’re fully healed. Because you’re willing.
Not because you’ve arrived. Because you’re appointed.
Not because Simon is dead. Because Peter is alive.
The Invitation
What if the very thing you think disqualifies you is actually what qualifies you?
What if your ongoing struggle with your “Simon” gives you the empathy, the credibility, and the compassion your “Peter” calling requires?
What if Jesus is calling you “Simon” in your weak moments not to revoke your identity, but to remind you that He knows both parts of you—and He’s using both?
Your Simon doesn’t disqualify your Peter.
Your process doesn’t cancel your purpose.
Your old nature dying doesn’t mean your new identity isn’t already alive.
You’re already appointed. You’re already anointed. You’re already qualified.
Not because Simon is dead. Because Peter is alive.
So stop waiting. The world doesn’t need your perfection. It needs your willingness.
Step into your Peter. While Simon is still dying. Because that’s exactly what someone else needs to see.
Ready to Shift from Self-Doubt to Spirit-Led Confidence?
If you’re standing at the edge of your next level and self-doubt is the only thing holding you back, the 7-Day SLAY Self-Doubt Shift will give you the framework to move forward despite the fear.
It’s not about eliminating doubt. It’s about refusing to let it keep you from your calling.
Access the 7-Day SLAY Self-Doubt Shift →
Because your Simon doesn’t get to decide when your Peter shows up.
What’s your “Simon” that’s been telling you you’re not ready? And what’s your “Peter” calling that you’ve been waiting to step into?
Let’s talk in the comments.
Coach JJ – Professional Giant Slayer
P.S. You have the framework. Now here’s the truth: most people who read this won’t actually do it. Not because they don’t want to. But because doing it alone is hard. Accountability makes all the difference. Inside the Giant Slayer Community, you’ll complete the 7-Day Self-Trust Challenge with daily support, accountability, and a tribe who understands the battle. Founding Member pricing ends once we hit 25 members. After that, the price increases to $67/month. Lock in the lowest rate now whilst founding spots are available. Let’s slay some giants together.
