If you were born in the post-John Wayne movie era, it’s quite likely that you’ve never seen the original Western film True Grit. And if you’ve never seen True Grit, you’re probably only living to a fraction of your potential.

Well, that’s probably not true. However, it is true that to reach your full potential you will need to have true grit.

No great mission gets accomplished without it.

One of the indelible marks of a hero is the ability to come through when it counts and persevere in the face of great odds. When a man or a woman has this gritty strength of character they can do the impossible, but when grit is lacking their mission is doomed to failure.

Webster’s dictionary defines “grit” as “a firm character, an obstinate courage, and an indomitable will.”

• It takes true grit to lay our lives down for our loved ones
• It takes true grit to persevere in prayer
• It takes true grit to continue believing when things look hopeless
• It takes true grit to sow a seed and then protect it until the harvest
• It takes true grit to not lose heart

The Bible reminds us that true grit is accessed when we fix our eyes on Jesus, the Pattern Son who modeled what it means to have an obstinate courage and an indomitable will.

“…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)