When Strength Fails, Grace Leads

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Readings: Ezekiel 39:21-40:4 | 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Paul’s words to the Corinthians cut against the grain of our hyper-individual world: “You say, ‘I have the right to do anything’ but not everything is beneficial.” Freedom without love corrodes community. True strength is measured not by autonomy but by how we build others up. In an era when personal branding often outweighs communal good, Paul calls us back to cruciform living.

Ezekiel’s vision shifts our eyes from human power to God’s glory revealed among the nations. Strength rooted in God’s presence, not ego, creates stability when life shakes us.

Grace leads when our strength ends. It frees us from the tyranny of self-interest and empowers us to act for the sake of others. Paul’s final line is the invitation we need today: “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” Not perfection, but direction.

Devotional Prompts:

• Where does “my right to do what I want” compete with love for others?
• What would it look like to use your freedom to build, not consume?
• Who might God be inviting you to serve sacrificially this week?

Prayer:
Christ our model, lead me into a freedom shaped by love. Give me the courage to choose what benefits others and reflects Your character. Amen.