Podcast: Play in new window
Have you ever been tempted to quit? Do you feel like you must have misheard what God wants you to do because it is just too hard? Don’t give up! Jesus is calling us to do some pretty impossible things, and the only way we can do them is if we stay the course.
I had a real, honest, and fun conversation with Bianca Juarez Olthoff about grit and resilience and how to keep going when all you want to do is throw in the towel. Chatting with Bianca showed me that we all feel like giving up from time to time, but even when the righteous get knocked down, we get back up (Proverbs 24:16). I was so encouraged by her survival stories of times when haters tried to distract her from her mission, when serving at her church left her sobbing in the car, and when her health was attacked and she had to remember that her value is not determined by the numbers on the scale.
She reminded me that there are times when it can feel as though our circumstances are trying to take us out. But only God is able to use those same circumstances to bring healing to those who feel like they aren’t going to make it. God can turn our pain and struggles into hope and healing for others. We will become survivors and overcomers when we don’t tap out.
If we want to be overcomers, we have to overcome some things.
How do we learn to stay and keep going? The key is obedience, even to the point of death like Jesus. Developing that kind of obedience takes time. And nothing is more important than being obedient to God’s calling. Pursuing our calling from God also takes resilience and grit. As we survive tough things, our resilience grows.
Most people would only choose to share stories of thriving rather than stories of surviving.
But sometimes the win is that we survived.
What are your survival stories?
What did God teach you through those experiences? Maybe you have struggled with your weight, and you felt worthless. Maybe people in the church hurt you, and you questioned your calling. God has a purpose for your heartaches. If you let Him, God can build you up and strengthen you to be ready for anything.
If you are looking to develop grit, Bianca Olthoff’s interview was made for you! Like Paul, we can be certain of our calling and keep our eyes focused on the goal of obedience. In the meantime, when we get shipwrecked along the way and we are just surviving, we can find opportunities to minister to those around us.
Highlights from Today’s Episode
- Build resilience and grit through obedience
- Share your stories of surviving, not just thriving
- Find your core friends who will be there for you no matter what
Click to Tweet
- “Grit is not something that people are born with—it’s something that has to be developed.” Bianca Juarez Olthoff
- “God can use the very thing you thought would “take you out” to bring healing to others.” Bianca Juarez Olthoff
- “Sometimes the win is that you survived.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
Related Resources:
- Connect with Bianca Juarez Olthoff on Instagram @BiancaOlthoff, Twitter @BiancaOlthoff, or Facebook @BiancaOlthoffSpeaks.
- Grab a copy of Guest’s book: Grit Don’t Quit: Developing Resilience and Faith When Giving Up Isn’t an Option
Other Stuff to Check Out
- Come join me in Cali in October 2023 for The Sister Circle Retreat!
- Have you listened to Episode #420, God Wastes Nothing, with my guest Kim Cash Tate? Check it out here!
- Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content? Learn about joining my Inner Circle!
- Be sure to also check out my books She’s Still There, Show Up For Your Life, The 28-Day Prayer Journey, and Kingdom Woman!
Let’s Talk!
- What is one of your stories of survival? What did God teach you through that experience? Who would be blessed by hearing your survival story?
- How can you start developing grit and resilience in your life?
- Are you prioritizing obedience to God? If it is not your priority, what is getting in the way?
- What is God calling you to do that seems impossible?
- What friends has God brought into your life to encourage you when times get tough? How can you be a friend to someone else who is struggling?
Connect with me…
Follow: Instagram| Twitter | Facebook| YouTube
Listen: Apple Podcasts| Google Play| Spotify| Stitcher
Support: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation | Swag
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you work out, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!
3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
Love, love this inspirational blog/podcast. Thanks for all you do to encourage us to be more like Jesus and find joy in the walk.