The Bible speaks a lot about determination without actually using the word determination. It talks about resolving and deciding what you will do and whom you will submit.

One of my favorite verses regarding spiritual determination is about the Old Testament prophet, Daniel.

“Daniel determined in his heart not to defile himself.”--Daniel 1:8

Daniel made a decision and was a determined God-follower.

Today, determined followers of Jesus also have a goal, a direction in which they point their lives—toward God’s Kingdom and His righteousness in their lives. (Matt. 6:33) It requires determination to stay the course because the world points in a different direction.

Determined believers live this out by declarations followed by action.  

Here are eight phrases you’ll hear from a determined Jesus-follower:

One: “I may have failed, but I’m not a failure.”

Determined believers know they aren’t going to get it all right all the time. Failure is inevitable, but it isn’t final.

It’s common to spiral into the mindset that living for God is unachievable and that you lack the emotional, physical, or mental strength to see it through.

But determined followers of Jesus, don’t buy that lie. When they fail, they try again.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give u-—Galatians 6:9

Two: “My progress isn’t based on who I’m ahead of or behind but how I continue to grow closer to Jesus.“

Comparison stirs up insecurity and discouragement, and it can derail determination.

 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”—Isaiah 30:21

Three: “I can’t control everything.”

A determined believer understands they have free will and the capacity to make intentional choices, but they can’t control every circumstance or result of their efforts, and that’s okay. A determined believer acknowledges God’s control and doesn’t waste precious time and energy controlling what isn’t theirs.

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21

Four: “Today’s choices impact more than today.”

Determined followers of Jesus focus on a bigger picture—they are Kingdom-minded.

Each day brings unique challenges that present opportunities for choices that lead to more determination when seen in the light of a bigger picture.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."—Isaiah 55:8-9

Five: “I’m grateful for what I’ve learned and what this experience will teach me.”

No matter how difficult days can get, there will always be something for which to be grateful.

Today’s problem can serve as a valuable lesson tomorrow.

Challenges shrink in intensity when we remember to take the time to appreciate how far we’ve come since we started.

“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:18

Six: “That’s on me.”

Determined believers take responsibility instead of blaming someone else.

When you decide to choose Jesus and lean in despite it being hard, it’s important to remember that you decided it not someone else. It is a personal decision that is your responsibility. Your walk with God is yours and God’s and no one else’s.  

You put in the time and the energy, and when you don’t, you take responsibility for your choices.

A community of believers is an essential part of a spiritual walk, but your determination is up to you.

For we are each responsible for our own conduct.—Galatians 6:5 NLT

Seven: “My feelings affect my determination.”

Highly determined followers of Jesus are aware of how they feel and how it impacts their resolve.

When you’re exhausted or overwhelmed, it can be a challenge to make the choices you know you want to make.  

By acknowledging the effect of emotions, determined believers can employ accountability strategies to keep them on track.

“casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;”—2 Corinthians 10:5 ERV

Eight: “I’ll find a way.”

Determination requires resourcefulness. When circumstances change and resolve is tested, a determined believer asks God for help and tries different approaches.

They always keep an open mind about accomplishing their goals and what they need to do.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”—Matthew 7:13-14