The Secret to Success
Developing Godly Grit
Have you ever felt like giving up? You know, life is hard, and I believe today it’s harder than ever before. Maybe the routine has become a drag, and you’re asking yourself, “What’s the use?” Let me tell you something—what separates those who succeed from those who quit isn’t talent, intelligence, or connections.
Today, I want to talk to you about the real secret to success. It’s not your net worth, your network, or even your natural abilities. It’s your perseverance, your endurance, your refusal to quit when things get tough. That’s “Grit.” And it’s something you can develop, learn, and grow in.
The Power of Grit
Angela Duckworth, in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, reveals that the key difference between high achievers and everyone else is not intelligence, charm, or luck—it’s grit. It’s the ability to keep pushing forward, to get back up when you fall, and to adapt in the face of adversity.
When my wife and I came to St. Louis 40 years ago to plant Church on the Rock, people told us we wouldn’t make it. They said we didn’t have the right personality, the experience, or the knowledge. You know what? They were right. But I told them one thing: I may not have all the qualifications, but I will outwork, out-pray, and outstudy anyone else.
We didn’t have a roadmap, but we had determination. We were the first church of our kind in this county to break through barriers that no one had before. And I attribute that to God—and to grit.
Grit Is a Choice
Grit isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop. It’s a learned characteristic, a discipline, a mindset. It’s the ability to face adversity, adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward. That’s what we do at Church on the Rock: we keep moving forward toward the future God has for us.
In this three-part series, I want to help you develop grit, increase your endurance, and grow in steadfastness. Whether you’re leading in business, ministry, or your home, grit is essential to fulfilling your purpose.
Godly Grit in the Bible
You won’t find the word grit in the Bible, but you will find courage, steadfastness, and endurance—and that’s what godly grit is all about. Look at what the Word says:
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (AMP) – But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].
Romans 15:13 (AMP) – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
Grit is about being steadfast—unmovable in the face of obstacles. It’s about endurance—pushing forward even when you feel like quitting. And it’s about courage—refusing to let fear, failure, or fatigue stop you.
How to Build Grit
If you want to be a leader who finishes strong, here’s how you can develop grit:
Face adversity with faith – Everyone encounters challenges, but people with grit don’t run from them—they face them head-on.
Adapt and adjust – The key to lasting success is learning how to pivot when things don’t go as planned.
Refuse to give up – You may need to quit some things in life, but don’t quit on your calling, your purpose, or your God-given assignment.
Keep moving forward – No matter what setbacks come, keep growing, keep learning, keep leading.
The Mindset of a Conqueror
People with grit have a victor mindset, not a victim mindset. They don’t make excuses—they make things happen. Like John Maxwell says, if one employee tells you, “We don’t have lemonade,” and another says, “I’ll run down to the store and get some,” who do you think will get promoted? The one who finds a way.
It’s the same in life and leadership. Those who go the extra mile, who endure, who push forward—those are the ones who succeed.
Keep Growing in Grit
This is just the beginning. Over the next two weeks, we’ll continue diving into grit—what it takes to build it and how to strengthen it in your life. If today’s message encouraged you, press like and share so we can reach more people who need to hear this.
Now is not the time to quit. Now is the time to dig deep, stand firm, and move forward. Keep growing in grit, and I’ll see you next week!