As we kick off 2025, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart – something crucial for our faith journey. Grit. Not just any grit, but Godly grit.
Let’s be honest. Most of us set New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out faster than a cheap sparkler. We want to improve, to grow, to become something more – but when challenges hit, we’re quick to quit. I get it. Life is hard, and sometimes it feels easier to throw in the towel.
But what if I told you that the very challenges you’re facing could be the very things God is using to shape you?
Reframing Our Perspective
The apostle James drops a radical perspective that might sound crazy at first. He says, “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Pure joy? When life is falling apart? That sounds counterintuitive.
But here’s the truth: Trials aren’t punishments. They’re opportunities for growth. They’re the gym where your spiritual muscles get stronger. Every challenge is a chance to develop perseverance – to build what I’m calling “Godly grit.”
Think about it. You can’t develop strength without resistance. You can’t build endurance without something pushing against you. Just like muscles grow through stress and recovery, our faith grows through challenges and trust.
The No-Quit Team
Nobody develops grit alone. We need people around us who will hold us up when we can’t hold ourselves up. I’m reminded of the story in Exodus where Moses was leading a battle, and when his arms grew tired, his friends Aaron and Hur literally held his arms up so the Israelites could win.
Who are the Aaron and Hur in your life? Who are the people who will:
– Remind you of your purpose when you want to give up
– Pray for you during tough seasons
– Speak truth when you’re losing perspective
– Practically support you when you’re struggling
If you don’t have these people, it’s time to find them. And maybe, just as importantly, it’s time for you to BE that person for someone else.
Running Your Unique Race
Here’s a critical insight: You’re not running everyone else’s race. You’re running the race God has specifically marked out for you.
The apostle Paul understood this. He faced incredible hardships – imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, constant danger. But he wasn’t focused on the pain. He was focused on the purpose. His declaration was simple: “One thing I do… I press on toward the goal.”
Your purpose is likely bigger than you imagine. It’s probably more important than you think. And it’s definitely bigger than you.
A Personal Reflection
Let me be vulnerable. As a pastor, it would be easy to make this about me or our church. But that’s not the point. Our church isn’t about how great we are, but about helping people take their next step with God.
When I see lives transformed – marriages restored, people finding hope, individuals discovering their purpose – that’s what keeps me running my race. Not numbers, not popularity, but seeing God work in real people’s lives.
A Call to Persevere
So here’s my challenge to you in 2025: Develop Godly grit.
Adjust your mindset. Trials aren’t stopping you; they’re training you.
Surround yourself with a no-quit team.
Run the race God has prepared specifically for you.
To those feeling ready to quit – your marriage, your sobriety, your faith, or even contemplating something as final as ending your life – hear me clearly: Don’t. Quit.
Life is hard, and I can’t make it easier. But Jesus can. And His promise is that He has overcome the world. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.
Our Declaration
If you’re willing, stand with me and declare:
“This year, with God’s help and the power of the Holy Spirit, I will develop Godly grit. Most people give up when life gets hard. I’m not most people. If I commit, I don’t quit.”
Remember, in your weakness, His strength is made perfect. Keep pressing forward.
Check out our website for more information. We always welcome new friends to worship with us. Find a location that’s close to you!
You can learn more about our beliefs and visit our video library to explore more topics like this one. You can also check out our events page to find out what fun new things we’re doing this season.
