Book Foreword
By John Bevere

It’s such an honor to write the foreword for Grace-Fueled Grit. The life of my dear friend, Andi O’Leary, beautifully embodies the message you’re about to encounter. My family and I have had the privilege of watching up close as God’s goodness has been woven through her story in the most profound ways. This isn’t theory or abstract teaching — this book comes straight from Andi’s lived experience of walking through challenges, clinging to God’s grace, and coming out the other side with greater strength and deeper faith.
Andi reminds us that sheer grit by itself will eventually run out. Determination without God’s empowerment will leave us empty and exhausted. But when perseverance is fueled by grace, nothing can stop you. So, whether you’re in a season of crisis, battling an addiction, or simply worn down by the pressures of life — this message will breathe hope into your soul and give you the strength to take another step forward.
As you read, Andi will challenge you to stop relying on your own strength and begin leaning fully into the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit. You won’t just be inspired; you’ll be equipped with practical wisdom and tools you can start using right away to navigate whatever challenges you’re facing and to overcome them with confidence.
More than ever, the world needs believers who live with this beautiful blend of grit and grace — people who refuse to quit, who keep running their race, and who keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. I’m so proud of Andi for faithfully stewarding this message, and I’m grateful that you hold a copy in your hands.
– John Bevere
John Bevere is an international minister and best-selling author known for his bold and uncompromising approach to God’s Word. John and his wife, Lisa, are the founders of Messenger International—a ministry committed to developing uncompromising followers of Christ who transform our world. His heart to strengthen the local church has led to over 40 million translated resources being given to pastors and leaders in developing nations. John is An Instant New York Times Bestseller, “The King is Coming” USA Today Bestseller
Endorsements
Grace-Fueled Grit is a powerful testament to what a life can look like when wholly surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit. With courageous vulnerability and unwavering faith, Andi O’Leary invites us into her personal journey — a path marked by both trials and triumphs, all anchored in the truth of God’s Word. Her story is not just inspiring; it’s instructive. Through each page, Andi models what it looks like to walk in humility while standing in bold confidence — not in herself, but in the faithfulness of God. This book will stir your heart, strengthen your resolve, and remind you that grace is not only sufficient — it’s the fuel we need for the grit each day requires. Read it slowly, reflect deeply, and let it shape the way you trust God in your own story.
Dr. Michelle Anthony
Pastor, Speaker, and Author of Spiritual Parenting, The Big God Story, Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family
Christlike character development has been the quest of believers since the early church fathers. While many have begun the journey, few are willing to pay the price of honest reflection and sacrificial discipline to continue along the way. The path of spiritual formation is not for the faint of heart. Grace-Fueled Grit is the authentic story of one woman’s journey toward being conformed into the image of Christ. I invite you to join her on this passage and allow her to guide you along the way with scripture as her guide and the Holy Spirit as your companion. With all the confidence of a Spiritual Director, Andi provides questions at the end of each chapter to carefully direct your spirit along the path toward a deeper faith. Enjoy the journey and watch as the Holy Spirit draws you closer into fellowship with Jesus with each new step.
Michael J. Anthony, Ph.D.
Seminary Professor, Pastor, Author
Andi’s a dear friend, and we’re thrilled she took the time to capture and share this beautiful synthesis of memories, miracles, and timeless principles that carry us through every season of life. This isn’t just about personal endurance, though Andi’s message has generational implications, creating space for God to do what seems impossible in our families and communities. Every message should be embodied before it’s shared, and Andi is living proof of Grace-fueled Grit.
Addison & Juli Bevere
President of Messenger International, Podcast hosts of “At Home with the Beveres,” Author, Words with God
Every so often, we encounter a life story that arrests the soul and collides with raw humanity. This is one of those rare works — a powerful testimony that lays bare our own brokenness and points us to the unwavering presence of Christ. No matter how often we fall, forgiveness, love, and courage rise to meet us. Andi’s story is nothing short of remarkable — a beacon of hope even in the deepest pit. It reminds us vividly: even when Jesus seems silent, He is never absent. If you’re looking for courage, craving belief, or simply hoping for tomorrow — open these pages. Redemption is waiting in the wings.
Pastor Riaan Heyns
Missiologist and Founder of MercyGift
Andi’s story is an inspiring reminder that we can never be too far from the pursuit of God and His love for us. His grace empowers us to overcome. Through her grit and Gods grace her life is a canvas displaying Gods faithfulness. Knowing Andi now, I never would have guessed what she has been through. God has truly shown his power and unrelenting love through her story. This book inspires and equips you with the power you need to conquer your own story.
Jess Bevere
Family Friend
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging” is a suggestion that is often easier said than done. Grace-Fueled Grit is your guide to stop digging and to start stepping up into all God has for you. Andi expertly guides readers from struggling and failing to victory through the empowerment of God’s grace. I love the whole O’Leary family, and something that has always marked Andi is her tenacious and relentless spirit. I knew Andi for years before I learned her life story, and it is nothing short of a miracle the journey God has taken her on. Dive into this book and allow God to transform you in the way only He can.
Austin Bevere
Family Friend
Andi shares a powerful, hope-filled testimony of transformation—proving that neither addiction, adversity, or even our own thought patterns have the final say—God does. This book offers practical insight and spiritual truth for anyone navigating an emotional, societal or spiritual battle. With raw honesty and unwavering faith, the O’Leary family opens the door to freedom, healing, and lasting change. Their story is more than inspiring—it’s empowering. We believe every reader will walk away with a fresh hope and practical steps for freedom.
Arden & Christian Bevere
Messenger International, Author’s “Redefined” By Arden Bevere, “Break Up With What Broke You” How God Redeems and Rewrites Your Story, “Dear Future Husband “and “Future Husband, present prayers by Christian Bevere
Grace-Fueled Grit is a powerful, soul-stirring testimony of redemption, grace, and relentless love. Andi’s story offers encouragement to the weary, hope to the broken, and strength to the overcomer. While many battle through life’s trials, few find lasting victory apart from the power of the Holy Spirit—and Andi’s journey lights the way. Laced with conviction and compassion, her life becomes a roadmap for finding God in the mess and emerging with a testimony of triumph. As Scripture declares, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11, NIV). Andi’s testimony is a living echo of that truth.
Selena Heyns
Doctor of Physical Therapy and Medical Missions Advisor
If you think that you are ever too far gone or that God doesn’t care for those whose choices don’t align with His plan, then this book is for you. This book is a beautiful example of how God meets us in the mess. If you think that God isn’t in every detail or that He can’t use your story, brace yourselves. This book is a clear example of how God is continually paving the way despite the path of destruction our choices tend to leave behind us. Andi reveals how God is so gracious and patient with us, and how beauty and healing lie on the other side of sharing our stories. Freedom from addiction is only the first step. Gods wants to heal all of us. Nothing is too much for Him to handle and He is never burdened by our hearts or our requests for help. This book reminded me that the fulfillment of a promise is a process that takes time. God wants to free me from everything. Meaningful growth takes time. Thank you for sharing your story. For the honesty that will bring hope to so many lives.
Dawna DJ Lemmon
Lemmon Appraisal Services, Certified Residential Appraiser, and the favorite niece!
Grace Fueled Grit is an invitation into an honest, real heart-to-heart conversation with Andi O’Leary. Through tears, triumphs, and the unyielding grip of divine love, she reveals the raw truth. True freedom isn’t a one-time victory; it’s a daily act of surrender to the grace of God that fuels our grit. Andi’s testimony is a battle cry, boldly proclaiming that God’s endless mercy and grace turn brokenness into bold faith. It’s time to encounter the Holy Spirit and walk in freedom. This is your call to overcome!
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” (Rev. 12:11).
Laura Johnson
Co-Founder Copperfox Coffee Roasters / Entrepreneur / Motherhood Ministry Coordinator
As someone who’s faced many obstacles, I can’t recommend Grace-Fueled Grit by Andi O’Leary enough. Her story hits close to home, resonating deeply with the battles many of us endure when life feels like a wilderness. Drawing from flawed yet redeemed biblical heroes like David, the Samaritan woman, and Peter, Andi reveals how God’s grace isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift that meets us in our mess. Her words stir memories of the mountain-moving faith I’ve clung to in my hardest times, trusting that a single encounter with the Holy Spirit can transform everything. This book is a lifeline for anyone feeling lost or ashamed, offering hope that, surrendered to Christ, ignites true freedom and multiplication. It’s a must-read for those wanting authentic healing!
Tim Johnson
CEO Copperfox Coffee Roasters / Entrepreneur
As an adult child of an alcohol addicted parent, I read Grace-Fueled Grit through the lens of both painful memories and the awe of God’s redemption. I watched addiction fracture my identity and my family— and later witnessed the miracle of my parent surrendering their life to Jesus. Andi’s story is a powerful testimony of Grace and Grit! With honesty, compassion, and unshakeable faith–, she names the mess without glorifying it and points relentlessly to the healing power and partnership of the Holy Spirit. Each challenge is met with practical, transformative TRUTH of God’s word. This book is a living example of how God truly can work all things for the good, for those who love Him. God redeems not only the addicted, but those who love them. For anyone carrying wounds from addiction or longing to see God at work in broken lives, this testimony offers courage, clarity, hope, and transformative tools of applicable truth. It really is a testimony and workbook, all in one.
Sandy VanAlstine
Friend
Grace Fueled Grit is a call to rise. Andi O’Leary writes from the trenches, reminding us that grit rooted in grace is unstoppable. If you’re fighting to overcome, this book will provide the spark to keep moving forward with faith and fire.
Chris Pace
Director of Discipleship Messenger International
Author, “Level Up” How to advance your calling and never get stuck
