Embracing Godly Grit: Perseverance Through Prayer and Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today, we explored the profound truth that God is not done with us yet. As long as we have breath in our lungs, we can praise the Lord and witness His beauty in creation. We discussed the importance of taking time to recharge, just as a child understands the need to rest and recharge their batteries. This concept is crucial for our spiritual leaders and for us as well.
Our main focus was on "Godly Grit," a steadfast resolve to choose God's path and principles, standing firm against worldly pressures. Unlike worldly grit, which relies on our strength, godly grit depends on God's strength to overcome challenges and stay committed to our faith. We examined James 1:12 and Philippians 3:13, emphasizing the importance of receiving God's grace and looking forward, not dwelling on the past.
We delved into the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-5, highlighting the necessity of perseverance in prayer. Prayer resets us, humbles us, and helps us not lose heart. We shared a powerful testimony of a young man who, despite being paralyzed for a year, persevered in prayer and was miraculously healed.
We also discussed the importance of persevering in the face of adversity and injustice. The widow's persistence in seeking justice from an unrighteous judge teaches us to maintain hope and rely on God's strength. We are called to advocate, stand firm, and continue moving forward despite the challenges we face.
Finally, we reflected on the ultimate example of godly grit—Jesus Christ. He faced unimaginable adversity and injustice, yet He persevered for our sake. His sacrifice empowers us to have godly grit and live a life pleasing to God. If you don't know Jesus, you're just a prayer away from experiencing His transformative power.
### Key Takeaways
1. Godly Grit vs. Worldly Grit: Godly grit is not about relying on our strength but on God's strength to overcome challenges. It involves a steadfast resolve to choose God's path and principles, standing firm against worldly pressures. This kind of grit is fueled by receiving God's grace and looking forward, not dwelling on past mistakes. [03:18]
2. The Power of Persistent Prayer: Prayer is essential for maintaining our spiritual health. It resets us, humbles us, and helps us not lose heart. The parable of the persistent widow teaches us to keep coming to God with our petitions, trusting that He hears us and will act in His perfect timing. [12:59]
3. Persevering Through Adversity: Adversity is inevitable, but our response to it is crucial. We must maintain hope and rely on God's strength to overcome challenges. The widow's persistence in seeking justice from an unrighteous judge reminds us to keep our faith and trust in God's promises. [17:49]
4. Facing Injustice with Faith: In a fallen world, we will encounter injustice. Our response should be to persevere and advocate for what is right, relying on God's strength. The widow's story teaches us to keep going, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. [21:25]
5. The Ultimate Example of Godly Grit: Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of godly grit. He faced unimaginable adversity and injustice, yet He persevered for our sake. His sacrifice empowers us to have godly grit and live a life pleasing to God. If you don't know Jesus, you're just a prayer away from experiencing His transformative power. [24:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:44] - Importance of Rest and Recharging
[03:18] - Understanding Godly Grit
[05:09] - Receiving God's Grace
[09:42] - The Power of Persistent Prayer
[12:59] - Persevering in Prayer
[17:49] - Facing Adversity
[21:25] - Dealing with Injustice
[24:55] - The Ultimate Example of Godly Grit
[26:41] - Invitation to Know Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
2. Philippians 3:13 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
3. Luke 18:1-5 - "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’"
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the difference between "godly grit" and "worldly grit" as described in the sermon? [03:18]
2. How does the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-5 illustrate the importance of perseverance in prayer? [12:59]
3. According to James 1:12, what is promised to those who remain steadfast under trial?
4. What does Philippians 3:13 encourage believers to do regarding their past and future?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does relying on God's strength rather than our own change the way we face challenges? [03:18]
2. In what ways does persistent prayer reset and humble us, according to the sermon? [12:59]
3. How can the story of the persistent widow inspire us to maintain hope and rely on God's strength in the face of adversity? [17:49]
4. What does the ultimate example of godly grit, Jesus Christ, teach us about facing injustice and adversity? [24:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you rely on your own strength versus God's strength? What could you do differently next time? [03:18]
2. How can you incorporate more persistent prayer into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure you don't lose heart? [12:59]
3. Think of a situation where you are currently facing adversity. How can you maintain hope and rely on God's promises to persevere through it? [17:49]
4. Have you ever experienced injustice? How did you respond, and how can you apply the lesson of the persistent widow to your situation? [21:25]
5. Jesus faced unimaginable adversity and injustice for our sake. How does His example empower you to live a life of godly grit? [24:55]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to advocate for what is right. How can you stand firm and rely on God's strength in this situation? [21:25]
7. If you don't know Jesus, what steps can you take to experience His transformative power and begin living a life of godly grit? [26:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Relying on God's Strength
Godly grit is not about relying on our strength but on God's strength to overcome challenges. It involves a steadfast resolve to choose God's path and principles, standing firm against worldly pressures. This kind of grit is fueled by receiving God's grace and looking forward, not dwelling on past mistakes. Godly grit is about trusting in God's power to sustain us through difficult times and making a conscious decision to follow His ways, even when it's hard. [03:18]
Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have been relying on your own strength? How can you begin to trust in God's strength instead?
Day 2: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Prayer is essential for maintaining our spiritual health. It resets us, humbles us, and helps us not lose heart. The parable of the persistent widow teaches us to keep coming to God with our petitions, trusting that He hears us and will act in His perfect timing. Persistent prayer is a demonstration of our faith and dependence on God, reminding us that He is in control and that we can trust Him with our needs and desires. [12:59]
Luke 11:9-10 (ESV): "And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."
Reflection: Think of a prayer request you have been hesitant to bring before God. Can you commit to persistently praying about it this week, trusting in His perfect timing?
Day 3: Persevering Through Adversity
Adversity is inevitable, but our response to it is crucial. We must maintain hope and rely on God's strength to overcome challenges. The widow's persistence in seeking justice from an unrighteous judge reminds us to keep our faith and trust in God's promises. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, we are called to persevere, knowing that God is with us and will provide the strength we need to endure. [17:49]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you rely on God's strength to persevere through it?
Day 4: Facing Injustice with Faith
In a fallen world, we will encounter injustice. Our response should be to persevere and advocate for what is right, relying on God's strength. The widow's story teaches us to keep going, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We are called to stand firm in our faith and trust that God will bring justice in His perfect timing. [21:25]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Is there an area of injustice you feel called to address? How can you take a step of faith to advocate for what is right, trusting in God's strength?
Day 5: The Ultimate Example of Godly Grit
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of godly grit. He faced unimaginable adversity and injustice, yet He persevered for our sake. His sacrifice empowers us to have godly grit and live a life pleasing to God. If you don't know Jesus, you're just a prayer away from experiencing His transformative power. Jesus' example shows us that true strength comes from God and that we can endure anything through His power. [24:55]
Hebrews 12:2-3 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
Reflection: How can you follow Jesus' example of godly grit in your own life? What steps can you take to rely more on His strength and less on your own?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How do you know because you have breath in your lungs as long as you can breathe right we can praise the lord and so we're grateful for that that he's not done with us yet he's not done with you yet and so good morning it's good to see all you beautiful faces yes men i can say beautiful amen god has fearfully wonderfully made each of you uh and it's good to see the beauty of the lord uh it's interesting that we see the beauty and everything else in creation uh different shades different colors and the freedom that god has shown us through creation right you ever look outside and and see the different uh uh artistry that god has made right we look up right if we look up and and look at the stars and god has created beauty up there right if you take time and pause long enough you can see the beauty and the freedom that happens up there so we also need to see the beauty because as pastors say as the sun sets us free we are free indeed so we can see the beauty all around us amen amen amen" [00:00] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Hate to sound insensitive but i don't care what you did last night because grace is new every morning compassion is new every morning great is his faithfulness that's what the blood did right it's almost like we're not receiving what god has done for us because we hold on i think somebody needs to hear that right are you tired of being knocked around and thrown around are you tired of listening to voices that are not listening to you and that are not listening to you unproductive to what god is doing to your life are you focused on the goals that the lord has placed before you every year we come up here and we set the tone of the year has god has god uh have you forgotten what god has spoken to you has god giving you a word that he's trying to do through you have you forgotten what he's trying to do through you" [05:09] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Listen we're going to face things that we're going to see that's not right let's just make it let's just make it plain you're going to go out this building and you're going to see things you're going to turn on the news you're going to see things in front of you your neighbor and you're just going to see things because we live in a fallen world that won't be right and and we have the ability to persevere through it when we face these things in our face and the widow in that city kept coming to him and saying give me justice against my adversary we're going to face some things y'all we're facing some things family some of us are raising children some of us got family dynamics some of us financial issues some of us got medical things we're going to face these things on this planet because we're not the glory yet amen but we're going to face these things and and people around us are going to face these things" [21:25] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The value of persistent prayer is not that god will hear us but that we will finally hear from him amen god is trying to speak to you amen persistent prayer godly grit oh we got one person in the audience godly grit amen our secondary we need to persevere when we face an adversity because adversity is going to come our way in the city there was a fact positive theory it has to come our way in a judge who never feared god nor respected man you're going to run into people that won't respect your god you're going to run into situations that you didn't sign up for you're going to have circumstances that come you're going to have storms coming your way that's going to blow all over your house and and and and as you look to the lords we have to we as we look to the word you will see it's consistent" [16:13] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And as we close, we don't want to forget, but our Lord Jesus Christ, who faced. Adversities who faced injustice, who face all the child, all the weight, all the sin. And you remember in, in, in his pleading, moaning, nevertheless, let your will be done. And, and, and as much as, as much as trials and adversity, we will go through. None of us will face anything comparable to our Lord Jesus Christ. Why'd he do it? He did it. He did it for me. He did it for you. The reason why we can have golly grit is because of the work that the Lord did on the cross for us, the bloodshed to empower us by his Holy spirit. Anybody grateful for that today?" [24:55] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We really want to nail home this thing called golly grit we put golly in front of grid because we wanted to separate the fact that in the world grit means that we do it on our own strength our own ability in the flesh but golly grit changes the gain because greater is he that's in us than he that's in the world and like we sung he miracles right we still believe in miracles right and so some of us in the room know that we are a miracle and it's by god's grace that we can keep going and so we want to separate that is not just grit your teeth and get gritty and do it on your strength but it's god that's working in us to complete the work through us amen" [03:18] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Golly grit is the steadfast resolve anybody know say resolve you gotta have resolving yourself right to choose god's path and principles standing firm against worldly pressures in bodies it embodies perseverance it embodies resilience and a reliance on god's strength to what to overcome the challenge and stay committed to one's faith listen this is telling you that they're you're going to be faced with challenges anybody facing something today you know so this message is for you if you got something on your plate that's been trying to hinder what god is doing for you this message is for you this series is for you golly grit amen amen" [08:07] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I was talking to a young man um he lived in a interesting uh apartment complex apartment complex was for disabled and seniors um young he was you know he was way he was younger than me and i just dialogue with him and i'm like oh my god he's talking about and i always wondered why he lived there you know i questioned that's like well i never asked him i should have just asked him right why why do you live in there and finally this week he mentioned that for a whole year he his body had came on with a disease that even the doctors didn't know what was going on anybody heard stories like that and he's telling me this story about this year where he was in a wheelchair and only his neck was able to move he had to put a trach in he couldn't speak and and and for a year he lived in this apartment complex in that condition you know what's interesting i asked this young man i said well what happened he said well the doctors couldn't figure it out but i was always taught to pray and so that young man is a pastor a husband and and raising four children today amen amen walking teaching in a public school you wouldn't if he walked in this room you would never know that that was his story he's actually one of the track coaches at his school isn't that amazing" [14:21] (90 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And finally, and they said, you know what? Do what you have anonymously. Do what you're called to do. As Christians, we are called to advocate. We're called to stand firm. We're called to see faces. And when we face these trials, when we face these issues, to continue going and moving forward. As I conclude. All right. Stomach's got to moving. All right. Anybody start working? Golly grit. Here's the finale. Then the Lord said, learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even if it renders a just decision, so do not you think God will give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will. Let's say that together. He will grant justice to them quickly. But when the son of man, he must return. How many will he find on the earth who have faith? Persevere. This all works when you have the glue of faith, when you have foundation of faith in you. And you see this all through the scripture as Joseph was a slave by his brothers and was thrown in prison and into his life, a leader of his congregation, a leader of his people. Moses by faith and grit, he went from being a murderer, delivering the people of Israel. Paul went from being a blaspheming Christians and murdering Christians to the most significant figure in the New Testament to build the church. And he went from being a murderer to the most significant figure in the world, our church. Peter was a fisherman. And God used him in a powerful way. You can't tell me he won't do it because golly grit. Amen. Amen. Amen." [23:10] (125 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so we have to persevere when we face adversity because there is people in the flesh and in this word that don't fear god and don't respect you or me get over it get over it despite despite facing the unjust judge this widow persevered she kept persistent she kept going she maintained our hope it's on the side of the church y'all it's in the name we're called hope cathedral she did not stop having hope she she faced her difficult circumstances she refused to give up she relied on god's strength our persistence is fueled by the hope that we had in god's promises and god's word tapping into god's power listen we talked about miracles do we really believe that when we sing it everybody in this room heard the sharing the goodness of the lord and that we we do we still believe in miracles that means in the situation that you might face you might don't have the ability to get through it and that's that's a good place because you know that it's god's ability to do it's his power that you will overcome it teaches us she's teaching us to stay persevered she's teaching us about faith and helping us grow you know that in some of our trials we built some character anybody built some character along the way amen and it's in the word we build character when we're facing these trials we build god is working in us in endurance godly grit amen amen" [19:46] (123 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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