Grit Don't Quit: A 5-Day Devotional for Developing Resilience and Faith When Giving Up Isn't an OptionSample

DAY 5: More than Conquerors in Christ

Paul’s life was marked by pain, loss, abuse, and abandonment. But one of the hallmarks of this gritty and resilient leader is that he didn’t view his life as his own. His legacy was to live his life as an offering unto God. Paul encourages you to do the same (see 1 Corinthians 11:1). Evaluate where you are investing your life and what you are giving it to. Will it have eternal significance in the lives you impact?

The decisions we make today affect our tomorrow. Paul’s life was comprised of a string of decisions to obey God. There will always be circumstances out of your control, but your responsibility is to continue making good decisions despite that. When you tell others of where God has met you, provided for you, loved you, and enabled you to get back up, it teaches them to do the same.

As you put into practice what we have worked through here, you become gritty, tenacious, and resilient. You are a conqueror (see Romans 8:37). If you don’t necessarily feel like a conquering warrior today, it’s okay! You know what I discovered? When we are around people who feel like conquerors, it strengthens our faith because faith is contagious.

As children of the Most High King, our identity is clear. But sometimes our callings aren’t. No matter what confusion or lack of clarity you may be facing, don’t stop forging forward. Put one foot in front of the other, and repeat this daily. A conqueror will never win if a conqueror never fights. You have to be willing to get back up and fight your next fight, to wage war on the lies of the Enemy, and to step into your calling like you are stepping foot into your promised land. Paul makes sure we know that nothing can come against us that we can’t face in God’s strength (see Romans 8:38–39). The power of the Spirit of God will give you what you need.

The truth is, there is no person on earth and no demon in hell that can come against your God (see Romans 8:31). You need to remember that it is the power we find in Jesus that allows you to have confidence in the conqueror in you. Friend, you never know what your resilience will prepare you for. Your grit might be the very thing that inspires others to get up and keep going. You, my dear, are a gritty and resilient conqueror! Don’t be afraid of your trials, trauma, and tribulations because resistance is a sign you are going in the right direction—and you never know how resilient you are until resilience is the only choice you have. But you do have to choose. You have to decide that you will use every challenge you face to make you stronger. You are not alone. It’s you and Jesus and an army of conquerors who will remind you that you can do this. And with every new hurdle you soar over, tell others it’s possible.

Respond

Who’s life is impacted by the choices you make?

What does your example of faith say to those who see you respond to your circumstances by getting up and persevering in the purpose God has given you?

What battle is God empowering you to fight today? How can this challenge make you stronger if you choose to face it empowered by the Holy Spirit?

Prayer

God, allow me to live today with tomorrow in mind. May my life be poured out like an offering to You and impact those around me. Give me the grit I need to obey and follow You. Through Your Spirit, I can do all things in Christ and be more than a conqueror. Thank You for giving me a purpose and the power to accomplish that purpose for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.