Gritty Growth

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 3:18a

This is our charge as believers, that once we believe we are to grow. Peter writes to the followers of Christ in Rome to encourage them to be diligent in their pursuit of Christlke living. Earlier in this letter he implores them to “make every effort” to add to their faith excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and unselfish love. I2 Peter 1:6-7). The man who joined Jesus walking on the water on the sea knows there is no treading water in our walk with Jesus. It is a constant looking into the eyes of the savior to  strengthen our faith and learn to trust in his strengthening provision.

Angela Duckworth writes in Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, “Gritty people have a growth mindset; when bad things happen, they don’t give up.” James reminds us that, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:3) We experience setbacks regularly in our quest to be Christlike. Temptations from within, circumstances from without, and the schemes of our enemy cause us to doubt, lead us to selfish choices, and discourage us as we experience failure and factors beyond our control. But we must learn to be gritty in our walk and to understand that growth is scruffy and circuitous. 

Don’t lose heart. Stay focused. When you fall, accept the hand offered by Jesus and let him set you back on the path. Remember the great cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews – the ones of who run the race before you and are cheering you on. Keep your eyes on the prize – life with Jesus for all eternity – and stay gritty no matter what happens along the way. Keep growing in grace and knowledge, learn when you fail or get knocked down, and don’t give up. 

Prayer: Jesus, Savior, I get discouraged and want to give up when I fail in my walk with you. Help me to stay focused on you, to be scrappy and gritty as I fight through setbacks and doubts. I long to be with you and will persevere, growing and learning as I go through trials and tests meant to strengthen and shape me. I will not give up because I know you are with me and your Spirit provides direction, correction, and encouragement.