There’s something about the word strive.
The dictionary defines it as “to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something,” or “to struggle or fight vigorously.” But even that feels too neat for what it really means.
Because striving lives in the in-between. It’s quiet, almost lonely at times — that stretch between where you are and where you’re headed. It’s not as flashy as winning or achieving, and it’s not as still as waiting. It lives in that tension where faith meets effort.
My notes from this past series titled Strive by Pastor Keith Battle reminded me that striving isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. It’s the daily choice to get up again and again with focus, humility, and direction. It’s understanding that while God provides the strength, we still have to take the next step.
1. Striving Is Movement, Not Perfection
We often confuse striving with chasing, as if success comes only when we’re sprinting. But striving is not about speed; it’s about direction. It’s about steady, continuous movement toward who God says you are.
“Striving requires so much of us that it makes sense we don’t strive for a lot of things.” — Pastor Keith Battle
There’s wisdom in that. You don’t need to strive everywhere; just where it counts. Your purpose deserves your focus. Your calling deserves your consistency.
Note: Don’t let distractions dilute your direction. Ask, Where is God actually asking me to give my energy right now?
2. Growth Requires the Grace of Process
We live in a culture obsessed with shortcuts, but the truth is: anything worth keeping must be built slowly. You can cheat your way to a platform, but not the character it takes to stand there.
Pastor Battle said it best: shortcuts require more shortcuts to sustain. But discipline builds a foundation that lasts. The development that happens on the way is what equips you to stay when you arrive.
Note: If it’s taking longer than you thought, it’s because God is still developing something in you for where you’re going.
3. God Empowers Aligned Desire
When your goals match God’s purpose, there’s a supernatural partnership at play. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”
That means your drive isn’t random, it’s divine. You don’t have to chase opportunities that weren’t assigned to you. God will breathe life into what aligns with His will.
Note: You’ll always have grace to complete what God initiated.
4. Strive with Awareness, Not Pride
Striving takes humility — the kind that admits, I’m not there yet, but I’m willing to grow.
Pride says, I’ve got it together. Humility says, I’m open for more.
When you stop pretending you’ve arrived, God can actually meet you where you are.
“You can’t receive resources if you think you have everything together already.” — Pastor Keith Battle
The Note: Be honest about your gaps; God can’t heal what you hide.
5. Be Transparent, Even When You’re Trembling
Striving doesn’t mean you’re strong all the time. You can be broken and still moving. Transparent and still growing.
When you let people believe you have it all together, they can’t help you. But when you’re honest, you create space for support, and that’s when community can show up for you in a major way.
Note: Transparency invites encouragement. Hiding invites exhaustion.
6. Keep Getting Up
Falling is inevitable, but staying down is optional.
Proverbs 24:16 says, “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”
Every time you rise, you’re testifying that grace is stronger than guilt.
“The enemy likes when you’re down, but you’re only supposed to stay there long enough to receive the lesson you need.” — Pastor Keith Battle
Note: Rest when you must, repent when you need to, but get back up.
7. Discipline Is a Form of Worship
Discipline isn’t about punishment; it’s about stewardship. It’s how you show God you’re serious about what He placed in your hands.
Faith and striving aren’t opposites; they’re teammates. Faith provides vision, discipline provides traction.
Note: Don’t reward yourself for doing what you’re called to do; honor it by being consistent.
8. Focus on One Thing
Pastor Battle said successful people narrow their lives down to one thing — the assignment they were born to do.
We lose our power when we scatter it. Focus is an act of faith. It says, I trust God enough to stay in my lane.
Note: You can’t chase everything and expect to fulfill your destiny.
9. Don’t Quit Mid-Climb
God won’t climb for you, but He will climb with you.
When the path gets steep, remember: the mountain was meant to develop your muscle. Striving is not just about reaching the top; it’s about who you become on the way up.
Note: You signed up for this assignment, even if you didn’t realize it. Keep climbing.
Final Reflection:
I’m leaning that striving with God is less about arriving and more about becoming. We have to keep moving, not because we have to prove something, but because we’re becoming who He already saw in us. Don’t give up.
With you on this journey,
Allene