Grit & Grace
Every day, I ask God for grace and grit. Every day, He answers in ways big and small.
I've been thinking about how God gives us what we need every day, which includes both great and not-so-great days. Grace and grit might seem like an odd pair to ask for, but they're actually perfect partners. GRACE: God's unmerited favor for salvation and then to walk with Him. His undeserved kindness, poured out on us covering our sin, lifting us when we fall, reminding us we're loved beyond measure. Then there's GRIT: holy determination and sanctified stubbornness to keep going when the path is steep or feels impossible. It’s the spiritual backbone to press on and keep going even when (especially when!) you want to quit.
Paul understood this combination well. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 he writes, "But (the Lord) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." GRACE - God's strength is sufficient even through our weak spots.
But then Paul also wrote in Philippians 4:11-13, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." GRIT - the determination to press on in the strength He supplies. Or as James puts it, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4) We don’t give up, even when the road gets rough, because God’s purposes in and for us continue and are still being accomplished!
His mercies truly are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23) and as I said above, that includes both the great and not-so-great mornings. Every day, He meets us where we are. He doesn't just give a one-time shot of grace and grit. He will provide it fresh daily, perfectly tailored for the challenges or opportunities that await.
Perhaps you're facing something big today, feeling a bit worn down, or unsure about how to tackle what’s next. (Or maybe you’re feeling great because things are great!) Ask Him for more GRACE - God's favor and strength to cover what you can't. Ask Him for more GRIT - resilient determination to take the next step, even when you can't see all that lies ahead.
He's been answering that prayer for me for years. Why not see if He'll do the same for you? Ask Him with your coffee. Ask Him in the car. Ask Him in the regular moments of routine days and see what He does!
“O God, please give me grace and grit today in the places and ways that I’ll need it!”