Grit – What?
A young woman I know recently completed training to become a law enforcement operative. It wasn’t just a rigorous program, it was brutal! The academic parts were no problem. She studied the laws around law enforcement, took the tests, and passed easily. She did all the classroom activities with zero issues. She even excelled at shooting, getting hit hard with rubber bullets, grappling to the mat with big men, and tactical strategic exercises. It was physically exhausting! Some days it took everything she had to make it through, but she did it. Every day she felt stronger and more capable, but it tested her to, what she felt, were her limits.

And then came the pepper spray. Yes, they were lined up facing a person with a can of pepper spray who walked down the line spraying them in the eyes and face. Nothing up to that point compared to that moment. BRUTAL. One guy who had been through military training had done this before. He had been complaining and dreading it because he knew what was coming. Everyone else was saying, “It will be fine.” But he knew.

What does it require in a person to willingly subject themselves to torturous pain? Burning, swelling, temporary blindness, eyes watering for days, skin red and feeling on fire. And then show up for class the next morning at 7:30, expected to perform at 100%.

What. Is. That. Inner. Quality?

It’s grit.

I’m pretty sure that word isn’t in the Bible, but it’s all over the stories and pages.

• It’s Moses leading a million-plus complainers.
• It’s Ruth choosing her elderly mother-in-law with all the odds against her
• It’s Esther risking her life to save her people.
• It’s Jesus going to the cross.
• It’s Paul traveling for years and being persecuted in horrible ways.

Grit keeps getting up, keeps going forward, keeps leading, takes huge risks, and keeps its eyes open to experience the burn of pepper.

How?

Or maybe the better question is, why?

Let’s talk about that in Part 1 of Grit.

Grit – Why?

As you read the story of the law enforcement training you may have thought, “I could do that!” And maybe you could. Some people step up to every challenge that comes along.

Or you may have read that description and thought, “I could never do that.”

Or, “Why would anyone do that?”

Even better, “I’m so thankful someone is doing that so I don’t have to!”

But going back to the “why” question … what IS the answer?

Why do some people have grit?

False grit comes from desperation. It’s a need to prove oneself due to deep lack and wounds. That kind of performance or frenzied effort is destructive and hard to watch.

Real grit, however, comes from purpose and it is inspiring to watch! Any life coach will tell you it’s important to define your “why.” Books are written about it. Conference breakout sessions teach it. Speakers charge big fees to explain it.

God keeps it simple. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

We were created for a reason. We have a purpose for being here, at this time, in this place, with this personality, and in this family.

I am an intentional creation.

When you know that, really know and believe it to be true, it becomes an unstoppable inner force. I want to do what I was put on earth to do. It gets me up every morning. It brings me deep joy and satisfaction. It guides my decision making and relationships. When my goals and activities are determined by God’s good plan for me, I want to keep going! I know something good is waiting for me because God is good.

I can say, “Bring it on!” I can take it. I might drop to my knees for a moment or feel lightheaded. I might even fall completely. BUT, grit gets me up.

Is anyone wondering right about now what their purpose is?

God’s good plans for me sound like a great idea, but … um … what are they?

That’s a great question. I’m so glad you asked.

Grit – How?

Have you seen the old, classic movie, “The Wizard of Oz?” All Dorothy had to do was click her shiny red heels together and say, “There’s no place like home” and she ended up there.

Magical!

We could click our heels together and say, “I was created for good works” but not end up doing them. Because God does not do magic, our lives are not magic, and His words are not magical.

God’s words and actions are true, holy, right, and good. Always. So when He says He created us for good works, it’s true, but the good works don’t just happen. We get to figure out what they are. One of the best things about life with Jesus is the journey of learning, knowing, changing, and acting on all of it.

Grit keeps us on the path of discovery no matter how long it takes.

So how do we find our unique, God-given purpose and good works?

For starters, you can check out the series on “Direction” here at The House FM Library, which unpacks how to know God’s will. That might be helpful!

Specifically for good works, however, there are a few simple steps you can begin taking.

1. Ask. Every morning when you wake up, ask God what you’re supposed to do. “What are my good works today?” As you start your day keep that question top of mind and listen!
2. Stay faithful. As long as what you’re doing isn’t contrary to God’s Word, continue faithfully working and serving where you are. As you show up every day, asking God what your good works are, He will begin showing you.
3. Read your Bible. It’s hard to hear the Lord when we don’t have His words in our minds. Start every day with a verse and a simple request, “Teach me, Lord.”
4. Do Matthew 28:19-20. This is the life mandate given to every Christ follower. No one is exempt. As you go where God leads you, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them His words, His paths become clear. Even if you just start asking the Lord where you’re supposed to go and who needs you, your good works will become clear. Obedience unlocks blessing, clarity, and purpose.

As you work through these simple steps with an open and honest heart toward the Lord, you will end up doing your good works. Stick with it! That, my friend, is grit.