Grit, Grace and Gratitude (Revised)

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

New International Version (NIV)

There are three important G-words in faith, and grit is what defines courage, resolve, and strength of character. Grit is necessary to help build our Faith, because living our lives for Christ is not always easy. The world that tells us not to be hypocritical and not to judge, is quick to judge us. Even though we are all the same, just because we share the same core beliefs does not mean we all agree on everything. We aren’t all cookie cutter molds and some will need more Grit than others, but Grit is certainly an important part of faith.

As a teenager, Kristen Jane Anderson attempted suicide, but she nonetheless managed to establish a ministry that helps other people in need. Through Grit, she got through all the hardships she faced and found her place in the world. She wrote a book about her suicide attempt and coming to Christ called Life in Spite of Me, co-written with renowned Christian author, Tricia Goyer.

Hebrews 4:16

New International Version (NIV)

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Grace refers to God’s unmerited and spontaneous favor that regenerates and sanctifies people.

We know that we are saved by God’s grace as Christians. Our salvation was a gift received freely by Christ through his sacrifice on the cross, not something we earned.

“Grace is something you can never get but can only be given. There’s no way to earn it or deserve it or bring about anymore than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks.” – Frederick Buechner

Have you ever received a gift just because? You didn’t earn it, but if someone gave it to you out of the kindness of their heart. Grace is similar, except we are receiving the ultimate gift, that’s Grace, that’s God’s unconditional love for us. He endured the pain so we wouldn’t have to.

Colossians 3:15

New International Version (NIV)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

In addition, gratitude is something even the strongest Christians struggle with at times, after all, being thankful can be hard. According to Christian belief, gratitude is being thankful and being willing to show appreciation for and return kindness. Throughout life’s trials and blessings, displaying a general attitude of gratitude distinguishes the Christian, but it also makes one a lovely person to be around, according to Country Living.

Being grateful, though, doesn’t mean praising a situation, but praising God despite the circumstances. As I said, gratitude feels far away, it feels impossible, but gratitude is about praising God despite the circumstances.

Joni Eareckson Tada is no stranger to praise God in the storms, in 1967 she was paralyzed from the neck down, and she has also survived cancer, a situation that seems impossible to praise God in, despite that, she still does.

“He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace. The greatest good suffering can do for me is to increase my capacity for God. Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.” - Joni Eareckson Tada.

That’s powerful right, a faith like that is what we all aspire to. There are times, however, when we stumble and fall.

Copyright Michelle R Kidwell

May.27.2022

Revised July.13.2024