This year, when David and I set New Year’s resolutions we challenged each other to put something on the list that we are bad at. We started the year on vacation with David’s family so my choice was easy: surfing. 

The ocean terrifies me and I’d much rather sit on the beach than attempt to ride waves. But, this trip, I paddled out over and over and over again. David and I took turns playing with the kids on the shore while the other surfed. 

Except for the one glorious wave that I actually caught, I spent most of the time on my belly trying to paddle to the right spot or awkwardly flopping around trying to get back on my board. There may have been tears at one point. 

But, the goal wasn’t to master surfing. The goal was to try something hard. So, forget the wipes-outs and tears; mission accomplished! 

I’m not sure what my kids will remember of those early mornings at the beach, but I hope they saw Mom struggle at something and persevere. If we are going to say we want to be a family of “resilient problem-solvers,” David and I know we need to model grit. 

Grit has been somewhat of a buzzword in business and leadership circles since Angela Duckworth’s prolific TED talk on the topic. But, for good reason. Her research found that across all ethnic, socio-economic, and psychological demographics,

“one characteristic emerge[s] as a significant predictor of success… grit”.

In her book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Duckworth defines grit as “the ability to persevere in pursuing a future goal over a long period of time and not giving up… It is having stamina. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

What Is Biblical Grit?

Grit is not a word you’ll find in the bible. Instead, scripture uses words like steadfastness, perseverance, or endurance. But, plenty of characters in the Bible demonstrate grit. 

• Noah was obedient, faithfully building the ark for over 100 years despite the ridicule of his peers. 
• Joseph was steadfast and persevered through trial after trial, enduring prison as he awaited God’s promise. 
• Moses was resilient and obedient as he led the thankless Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years.
• Jesus lived a perfect life, enduring the cross on our behalf. 
• Paul endured persecution, famine, nakedness, and even a snake bite as he faithfully stewarded the word of God. 
• And “time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David, Samuel, and the prophets” (Hebrews 11:32), and of Mary, the disciples, and Paul.

There is a critical difference between biblical grit the worldy kind of grit. Rather than “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”, biblical steadfastness is fueled and supported by a faith in the promises and provision of God. 

Scripture and secular research would agree on this fact: Grit is grown.

Steadfastness is not innate, but a product of pressure. Relentless resolve only comes when there is something to overcome, which means grit is cultivated in adversity and hardship. 

This is one place where parenting gets tricky. If we want to raise gritty children we have to be willing to let them struggle. We have to restrain ourselves from stepping in when they get frustrated.  There is power in defeat and adversity, but as a parent, it’s second nature for us to insulate our children from failure or hardship. 

But Scripture tells us to, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4) I want that for my kids. 

Lately, I’m realizing, that if I hope to raise resilient, steadfast children, perhaps the person that will need to grow the most grit is… me.

How about you?

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