Grit and Grace

Do you ever need a good old fashioned exhortation regarding determination? You know, something that inspires you to show dogged determination in pursuit of purpose, a short course in stick-to-it-ness. The following is such. The Christians in Corinth were subjected to constant difficulty, deprivation, and even death. I have found inspiring insight from this depiction of their situation.

“We know sorrow, Yet our joy is inextinguishable.

We are handicapped on all sides: but we are never frustrated;

We are puzzled, but never in despair.

We are persecuted, but we never have to stand alone.

We are knocked down, but we are never knocked out!”

This is II Corinthians 6:10; 4:8, in the Phillips Translation 

Do each of those original couplets read like your autobiography? What is even more important is do each of those second couplets read like your responses?

To be a productive achiever grit and grace are a needed combo. Pray, God I will provide the grit and you provide the grace. The dictionary defines grit as “courage and resolve; strength of character.” Synonyms: Courage, bravery, backbone, spirit, strength of will, moral fiber, fortitude, toughness, hardiness, determination, tenacity, perseverance, endurance.

It is through God’s grace, we can have grit, and the more grit we show the more grace He provides. His grace always outworks our grit.

During your journey to greater success, you will encounter roadblocks, hardships, and challenges. Inevitably along the way we experience failure. Remember failure is not final. Pray to always fail forward.

You might get knocked down, but not out.

Serve the Lord and keep your eyes on the eternal prize. Rely on the Spirit, read Scripture daily for encouragement, and get alone with God and pray daily. You’re not alone.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” Romans 15:4-5