How Godly KidMin Leaders Get Grit Back

Got grit?

Grit is a short word that packs a lot of punch. It’s a term that’s often used in reference to strong leaders. Grit speaks to determination, perseverance, and tenacity. It describes the fortitude of someone who is relentless, unwilling to give up or give in.

Courageous leaders have grit.

Resilient leaders have grit.

When a person has grit, they are a force to reckon with. When a godly leader has grit, the force to reckon with is God Himself.

However, just because a leader has grit one day doesn’t mean it won’t go away the next.

For godly leaders to lead diligently over the long-haul (cf. Rom. 12:8), grit is essential to press through times of weariness and weakness toward a God-honoring reality.

Agree or Disagree? Today’s churches need godly children’s ministry leaders with grit.

Working with kids and families isn’t as simple or easy as it seems. So, when grit starts to go away, a godly leader needs a way to get it back in order to serve faithfully.

Let’s take a look at one of the grittiest leaders in the entire Bible. King David was known for many things, and being a godly warrior topped the list. In 1 Samuel 30, David’s soldiers returned from battle to a torched city and news that all their women and children were taken captive. It was devastating. The survivors wept to the point of exhaustion. It was so difficult to deal with; the people considered unimaginable actions to alleviate their unbearable grief. It was one of the darkest days in the life of Israel and its appointed leader.

It’s unlikely that you and I will experience hardship to the degree David did as we serve in children’s ministry. But, we can still learn an important lesson from this godly leader. David clearly had grit. And, when his grit level was threatened, David immediately took one crucial step.

1 Samuel 30:6b: “…But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”

Even though David was backed up against the wall, distraught and dejected, he chose to lean into the Lord rather than spiral downward. He tended to the state of his heart by bringing it before God for lasting hope and healing. David went directly to God to get his grit back.

This year, as you serve as a leader with kids and families, you will experience highs and lows. You’ve likely suffered hurt at some point along the way already. As much as you desire that all children and youth come to know, love, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, some days you’ll wonder if all this ministry activity is really worth it. When you feel like tossing in the towel, turn to David’s example. As a godly leader, go before God to get your grit back.

Four Bible Verses to Help Get Your Grit Back

Here are some verses penned by David that can remind you of God’s unfailing presence, power, and provision. These scriptures can strengthen your heart when it’s hard to keep pressing on. Print these passages. Keep them in you pocket. Pull them out when you need to know for sure that God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 18:2 – The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalm 31:14 – But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”

Bonus: Go for Deeper Grit

Psalm 139 – http://bit.ly/Ps139ESV

Psalm 139 is one of the most powerful and soul penetrating chapters in all of God’s Word. David unashamedly goes before the Lord seeking His holy perspective. He wants nothing to get in the way of his purpose or position in life as God’s servant. If you want to grow in grit, take time praying through Psalm 139 in the same posture as David. Ask the Lord to search and strengthen your heart for Him. Step back toward God whenever you need to get your grit back as a godly leader.