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Grit Don't Quit: Developing Resilience and Faith When Giving Up Isn't an Option

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Whether by choice or circumstances out of our control, we will have moments where we feel like we've been punched out, dragged down, or knocked out. What do we do in those situations? You must learn to persevere. Perseverance requires a deep sense of hope, and thought leader, pastor, and podcaster, Bianca Juárez Olthoff, knows that personally. But it's not just any hope. It's a hope firmly rooted in something other than mere wishes and finger-crossing. This is a hope we have in our future that is rooted in the One who can go beyond our wildest dream to accomplish more than we could ever imagine. However, we must be willing to do the work of cultivating grit throughout every circumstance. Using the life of Paul the Apostle as a case study, Bianca shows how grit was the genesis of his transformation from a judgmental Pharisee to a world-changing follower of Jesus. In Grit Don't Quit , Bianca will help If we can prove to ourselves that the true power is getting back up, we can prove to others that success isn't only for the smart, talented, or well-connected. No matter how many times we fall, our real power comes from when we get back up. Get up, live full, and die empty.

272 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2023

63 people are currently reading
3462 people want to read

About the author

Bianca Juarez

7 books1 follower

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5 stars
248 (53%)
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165 (35%)
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43 (9%)
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6 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for M.E. Carter.
Author 51 books1,072 followers
Read
January 9, 2025
I liked this one. I like her style, I like her transparency, I like her realness.

Read a second time for group Bible Study.
Profile Image for Talia.
176 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2024
I found Bianca on Candace Cameron Bure's podcast a few weeks ago and I liked her discussions on resilience. I feel like we miss this so much in America and are so caught up in not seeing ourselves as capable of being resilient. We often let the trash moments of our lives beat the tarnation out of us, get us all tied-up with self-pity and "what-ifs," and totally miss the forest for the trees. Which is realizing God made us to be capable of handling hard things, of growing in those hard times, and becoming refined into all that God wants us to be.

I happened to see her book at the bookstore and grabbed it, hoping I'd find some good stuff in there. And I did!

She is very inspiring with how she writes. She talks about rising above and persevering, but I also like how she talks about the different situations you might find yourself in. Like persevering when you feel like you've made a bad choice and can never be redeemed. Or you feel like you want to quit a job, etc.

I also really appreciated her disclaimers where she talks about knowing when to quit — obviously you should not persevere in every single situation. Because some situations are bad and it is just wisest to exit them. Or sometimes you need to rest or heal instead of always pressing on.

Bianca also has short and sweet prayers at the end of every chapter that are pretty powerful, in my opinion. I've read a lot of prayer books and devotional prayers, but I think the ones she's shared in the book are not only really good, they are insightful and make you think too!

Here are some quotes from the book:

"One person plus God is an unbeatable equation." Pg. 47

"When we pause and look introspective, we force ourselves to evaluate the motivations behind our choices, which can reveal the issues that have us stuck." Pg. 96

"Grit and perseverance help us to develop more than the ability to wait. They help shape the way we behave while we're in the waiting." Pg. 175


I think this is one of my favorite books. It may be small but it packs a punch and I think it can really help bring clarity to the moments where we wonder if we should quit or not. It's one of those books that almost can't stay on my shelf: it feels like it should always be borrowed out to one of my friends or family members because of how much I think it can help people.

5 stars.
Profile Image for Darcy Schock.
408 reviews21 followers
April 6, 2024
This book is a good pep talk to keep going despite hardships and discouragements. Told through a friendly, down-to-earth funny but also scripture-filled way, it’s a great and easy read!
Profile Image for Grace  Hernandez.
1 review
September 2, 2023

A Godincidence a Holy Hunch in Bianca’s words is how I would describe the timing of reading this book. This book helped me through my everyday struggles with wanting to give up and throw in the towel. Grit Don’t Quit caused me to pause, re-evaluate, peel back the layers, and look within to really see/question my own thoughts/feelings/reactions. Bianca calls herself a word nerd and what a beautiful gift she has. It’s like listening to a 90’s R&B song to me. Music to my ears and food to my soul. She has a way of being super relatable and not uptight. Live and laugh not just a little but a lot. There were so many morsels woven into her writing that it's like being served at a high-end restaurant with a dash of hood. Don’t get it twisted, humor is good for the soul. I recommend this book to anyone who loves themselves enough to want to grow and be filled with knowledge, passion, and the drive to keep moving forward. If you really want to feel fully immersed, I would highly recommend getting the audiobook to accompany the book. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Everyone could use a little extra Vitamin B in their lives (aka Pastor B).
1,430 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2024
For the most part this was excellent. I want to say a few things in response to Bianca’s book. The Holy Spirit is also called the Holy Ghost in Scripture. We are to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Mary Magdalene had 7 devils cast out of her be Jesus. Doesn’t say she was a prostitute. The woman mentioned after her was. No name given. Paul spent 3 years in the desert being taught by Jesus. Paul wrote not 2/3rds of the NT but about 1/2. The most words written by a man was Moses. But there are 37,932 word by Luke in Luke and Acts. And 42,408 words in the books of Paul. Just interesting info.

The gospel of grace was given to Paul, which means the gospel was then for the Jews and Gentiles. That is when the church became the body of Christ, the bride of Christ. If it wasn’t for Paul there would be no plan of salvation. This is a teaching that most do not know about including pastors and Bible teachers. I can’t teach this in a review bc there is too much to share. Jesus did come to the Jews first. A few Gentiles were converted but Jesus told the disciples not to bring any Gentiles to Him bc He came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, the nation of Israel. This was His ministry to which He was called.

The death, burial and resurrection makes it possible for all who are Gods to be forgiven and saved. Those under The Law didn’t know about Jesus but those that obeyed went to Paradise when they died. Jesus moved Paradise to Heaven after His death. May all of you be strong in the Lord, bc Grit Doesn’t Quit. I am aware she used don’t but that is improper language and I am sure Bianca is aware of this. CathyR
Profile Image for Janet Kuper.
1 review4 followers
August 30, 2023
As part of the preview readers, I was a bit worried… I have loved every book that I have read and every video Bible study I’ve done with Bianca… what if so didn’t like this one. Man, I’m going to have to be honest about my favorite God Girl! Whoa… stop there! I was NOT disappointed at all! The enemy was trying to shake me. Reading this book came at the time that I was experiencing some deception and hurt from someone who had a big part in my walk and rededication to Jesus. I’m mad, I’m hurt, I wanted to quit the church, I wanted to quit going to any church period! After a bible study group, I came home and read more in the book only to realize that I needed the GRIT and I was NOT going to quit. God knew that I would need to be part of this preview and read the book at the time I did. BAM! Right there! Amazing how when we turn the struggles and quit moments to God, we’re provided with the perseverance to go on! Thanks for being so vulnerable, Bianca and sharing your “quit moments with us! I’ll be doing this study with friends and family in the future!!I’m
1 review
August 29, 2023
How do you develop grit and resilience, in a world where most environments give you the recurring message that failure may be what defines you?

This book by Bianca Olthoff takes us on a journey through the writings of the apostle Paul, showing us that resilience and grit are a work in progress - and while obstacles and storms and suffering are inevitable in life, quitting is never an option.

GRIT DON'T QUIT is both a Biblical study book and a practical book. It is an invitation to reflect on our life and assess where we are in all areas of life, and how we can develop resilience to keep going - because, yes, grit and resilience can be developed.

The Biblical message, that Paul is the perfect example of throughout his tribulations - is that God asks for obedience, and being obedient to His Word requires being relentless.
Obedience requires grit and sacrifice. We are told that we are more than conquerors, and Paul shows us there is a cost to conquer, and that our sacrifice takes us on the road to develop resilience and perseverance. Obedience is accepting that quitting is never an option, because we are here for a purpose.

GRIT DON'T QUIT is a call to discover your divine assignment, and step up in obedience to God to take up that calling and trust Him to lead you on the way.
This book invites the reader to see adversity as an opportunity and seek guidance in the Word.

If you are currently navigating challenging circumstances, this book is for you, it will act as a lifeline and lead you through the storm to the other side. If you are looking for a way to help your friends, family members, your children - or anyone facing adversity - this book will help them develop the tools to deal with challenges. It is more than a Bible study: it offers very practical wisdom and tools that we can all put into practice to become more resilient and keep going in the face of any circumstances.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,785 reviews48 followers
August 28, 2023
The Storms and Struggles in life will always be there, it is how we react and respond to those struggles. Podcaster and Pastor Bianca Juárez Olthoff has written a book that shows us how to get through the "Grit" of life.

Honestly, this book has come at the PERFECT time for me. 2023 has been a vast amount of Storms for our household. I have been trying my best to "Weather" through the storms, but I haven't been the best through all the storms. Bianca has given some great tips and info about getting through the storms in this book. Her main word throughout this book is PERSERVANCE. We will FALL many times throughout LIFE, we just need to get back up and persevere. I really like that Bianca points the reader to God as our helper for Perseverance and getting through the storms of life. The book is Encouraging, Biblically Sound, and a WONDERFUL BOOK! I highly recommend it for anyone who is going through struggles and needs encouragement.
Profile Image for Kathy.
583 reviews
September 4, 2023
I didn't read GRIT DON'T QUIT, I listened to the audiobook with Bianca narrating it and LOVED it! I'm hooked! I started following her on Instagram, found her podcasts and am excited to get a dose of Bianca's no-nonsense approach every day. In GRIT DON'T QUIT Bianca breaks down what the bible is teaching into relatable current moments in our lives so that we can understand the message. I was constantly thinking, "oh now I understand" while reading/listening to this book. I had started moving away for God and was leaning toward The Universe/Energy concept. Bianca's GRIT DON'T QUIT has helped bring me back to God. Her straightforward way of telling you to keep going and not quit has you turning to God as she quotes from the bible time and time again. Her stories grab your attention, while her strength & beliefs lift you up. Everyone should listen to this audiobook, that way you can hear her energy and passion, feel the emotion and be swept away in the positivity of each story.
Profile Image for Shayle Nelson.
2 reviews
September 11, 2023
As I was reading this book, I felt a holy hunch conviction! Not only did Bianca make this book so relatable, but she also reminds us of the grace we can receive from God when we don't feel like we have the grit that she talks about. We all have a fighter inside of us, but we must find it ourselves. It takes courage, strength, and honesty within ourselves to truly develop a Godly grit. I love that she gives examples and takeaways of how to do this. This book has blessed me more than I realized, and honestly more than I needed. I thought I stood up to challenges, but looking back, I find that it's been easier to walk away than to fight. This book has opened my mind and heart to trust God more and to be obedient to Him when I can't see the big picture. Fighting for my faith will bring about obstacles, but none that my God can't destroy. Resilience in a way that fights for God's kingdom and His people. This is a must read. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Kianaw.
49 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2023

This book is a must read for anyone going through a dark time when you want to quit everything. The author, Bianca Olthoff, has a conversational writing style which makes you feel as if you are sitting at a kitchen table being encouraged by a close girlfriend. In the text, she uses the life of Paul, her own experiences, and various examples from scientific studies to serve as examples of how and why to develop grit.

For me, the book was timely. After having read it, I feel encouraged, recharged, and ready to forge ahead through the opposition that I am currently facing. My faith is stronger now.

Thank you, Pastor Bianca for being vulnerable enough to share your own personal struggles to help others develop grit. Thank you for the many sacrifices that I am sure you made to write the book. Your efforts were not in vain. See—I am practicing gratitude as a result of what I learned from the book. :-)
Profile Image for Rianna *Hermione* B.
295 reviews30 followers
June 15, 2024
"What if adversity turns out to be the one thing that opens doors to which we otherwise would never had had access? Said differently, what if our adversity brings us opportunity?"

I really love how the author is fierce and biblical. She even talks about how how people didn't like her because they thought she was just entertaining. But God worked that out, and you can see how passionate she is about sharing the gospel and carrying on her father's legacy. It's super amazing.
For my season, it's on-time in this job I was definitely NOT expecting. Rewarding, but difficult working in a middle school. I got a marketing degree! But God's funny like that. lol.

more from the book:

5 Questions to ask before you quit:
-What exactly is frustrating me?
-Can I fix this?
-Is it Me?
-Is this the best decision for my future?
-Am I released?

I love the pizza story.
LOVED her explaining how to hear from the Holy Spirit. :)
Let this book encourage you!
1 review
August 30, 2023
"Grit Don't Quit" by Bianca Juárez Olthoff struck a chord with me on a deeply personal level. At a time when I’m grappling with challenges and setbacks, this book provides the guidance and inspiration I need to persevere.

Bianca's candid sharing of her own experiences resonated with me, making her message of cultivating hope and grit feel authentic and relatable.

"Grit Don't Quit" isn't just a book—it's a guide that empowers readers to change their perspective and approach to challenges. It's a reminder that hope isn't about wishful thinking, but a firm belief in a brighter future. This book has become a well-worn companion on my journey, a source of strength during difficult times, and a constant reminder that getting back up is where our true power lies.
1 review
August 28, 2023
I highly recommend this book. There are a lot of books out there on perseverance and resilience; however, finding a book that not only comments on the need for these two things in our lives but one that actually gives practical, biblical, and scientifically backed steps to help build these in our lives is refreshing. Not only do you get these lessons, but it is written in Bianca's conversational style. You feel like you are curled up on the couch with her having a deep one on one conversation. If you need a little extra push to get back up and keep fighting the daily battles in your life, then this is the book for you!
1 review1 follower
Read
September 1, 2023
Grit Don't Quit was such an encouraging read. Bianca doesn't sugar coat how hard life can be - but she also gives practical tips and mindset shifts to be able to grow your resilience, perseverance and of course grit.

I love Bianca's honesty and personal insights from her own life and her ability to use scripture to tie everything together.

If you're looking for hope, encouragement and tools to keep going - this is the book for you. And if you do need to quit, Bianca has questions to help walk you through that as well because as she admits in the book, not all situations are healthy. Some don't require grit, some do require quitting.
Profile Image for Ashton Kever.
35 reviews
January 4, 2025
Super easy read!

I highly recommend it. It was inspiring, validating, and a great reminder that God’s plan for my life is bigger than my aspirations. But there is a reason He has placed those grand dreams and desires on my heart. Just like Paul, I may not see the fruits of my labor for Christ in this lifetime, but I have to persevere through the times I don’t see progress or success.

Bianca is funny, factual, and motivating. This is the perfect book to start your year on. Trust me.

I believe season 4 of the Candace Cameron Bure Podcast stars Bianca Juarez Olthoff and this book is the topic. It’s a fantastic companion to the book!
Profile Image for Brittani Espino.
1 review
August 29, 2023
I have had the honor of seeing Bianca speak and she is absolutely amazing in person . So I was excited to read her book and it did not disappoint. This book is about having grit in our daily life and the importance of not giving up and persevering through the hard times . We all have times where we want to quit and just give up . This book reminds you of the importance to keep going and that you can make it through the hard times . I really enjoyed Bianca’s personal stories she shared throughout the book . It made the book more relatable. She was able to connect her life experiences along with giving biblical advice . Overall, this book was worth the read .
Profile Image for Peggy Arbuthnot.
36 reviews
September 4, 2023
Perseverance, Resilience, and Grit

Just like in her podcast, Bianca shares her stories in such a relatable way. Who knew you could learn a
lessons about Perspective, Purpose, and Pivoting from pizza? Not only is this book well written and the research provided understandable, it’s also easy to read. Take your time going through this journey Bianca takes you on with the apostle Paul and “The Nitty Gritty” at the end of each chapter to help you identify areas of growth and resilience.

A really good book to read when facing challenges and changing perspectives in doing so.
Profile Image for ashley vazquez.
7 reviews
November 10, 2024
It is an inspiring read that I enjoyed reading while doing a bible study with my church. The book emphasizes resilience and perseverance through faith, offering practical insights into staying steadfast through challenges. Its relatable stories and spiritual perspective made it easy to connect with, and I found it both motivating and uplifting. This book is a great reminder of the strength that comes from faith and the importance of pushing forward, no matter what. Doing the study book while reading allowed me to reflect more deeply into what I was learning.
Profile Image for margaret.
13 reviews
October 3, 2023
Wow this book is soo powerful and pratical i have never read anything by Bianca the auther before this my first introdruction to her writting and it sooo good and powerful and shows how simple little things make a huge difference and shows how not give up in the middle and how to rely on God and through it this also shows how to keep going when you want to give up
Bianca thank you for this book Highly recomend it and im sure ill be reading it again
1 review
August 31, 2023
This book has such great lessons in how to overcome and rise above the circumstances you find yourself in. Holding onto faith in a good good father and building and stretching your grit can bring you up out of the ashes of your situation and Bianca helps teach and facilitate that growth. Will definitely share with others and recommend this book!
Profile Image for Sarah.
12 reviews
September 11, 2023
This book couldn’t have come into my hands at a better time. I just love Bianca, her feisty words, and her love for Jesus. I am so grateful for the biblical perspective of resilience, as well as Bianca bringing in science as well. Read this book. It will empower you to look toward Jesus, and run YOUR race with determination.
Profile Image for Kristy Mersinger.
7 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2023
With humor and honesty, personal stories and Scripture, Bianca walks through how we can all have grit and come through any situation life throws us into. She shares tips and suggestions to encourage and guide you through your own season of uncertainty, with research and her own personal experiences woven in. This is a book everyone needs - even if you think you don’t.
Profile Image for Shelby Sandborn.
130 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2023
Honestly I wasn’t a huge fan of this. I thought it was just another “self help” Christian book. I’ve read plenty and I’m sure I’ll read more in the future. Lol. Nothing really stuck out to me, but if someone was looking for this style of book and never read one I would suggest this as it was an easy read.
20 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2023
I teared up in the last chapter. The book was nicely written, encouraging, and funny in some spots. She stayed scriptural. I found her 15 reminders at the end were legit. I'm glad I read this book. I'm not walking away with any mind-blowing ideas or life-changing encouragement, but I did NOT waste my time reading this book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
104 reviews
June 5, 2024
I love anything from Bianca Juarez Olthoff ! I especially loved the audiobook version of this book narrated by her. This girl is a ball of energy and in my head, we’re friends 😂. She speaks the way my brain thinks. This book has given me some encouragement to be resilient and push forward when it’s easier to just silently quit. Definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Shannon Trexler.
12 reviews
November 15, 2025
Bianca lit this topic on fire!!! I started reading it just at the right time; a time in my life where a lot of change is happening and I find myself waiting on God to show me where to go. I learned that grit truly don’t quit, and that sometimes it is okay to throw in the towel but only if God has said so.
11 reviews
January 27, 2024
Loved this book! I love anything by Bianca. She’s a great storyteller and knows the Bible well. Her extra reading for extra credit chapter made me think the most. This book will be on my mind for awhile.
Profile Image for Maggie Buckley.
306 reviews16 followers
April 28, 2024
I used this book and corresponding workbook and videos to teach a 5-week Bible Study at church. This book is excellent , and gets better with every chapter. You could use just this book (without the other stuff) and spread out the class over 13 weeks- one chapter a week.
5 reviews
April 17, 2025
Really enjoyed her writing style. Very relatable and down to earth. The content itself was basic. I found myself constantly wanting her to continue to go deeper on a topic— especially the biblical content.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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