Strengthened by Grace – by Robert Knick

“Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.” — Hebrews 13:9

What are the “ceremonial foods” of our day? In the Old Testament, sacrifices and rituals were practiced continually as a way of covering sin. Today, our “ceremonial foods” may look very different. For some, it might be church attendance out of habit without true transformation. For others, it may be the pursuit of wealth, power, lust, greed, or indulgences like gambling, drugs, alcohol, or immorality. These things leave us empty, unable to nourish the soul.

Jesus reminded us, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” We are all sinners, in need of this Holy Doctor. The first step in strengthening our hearts is recognizing how often we feed on things that cannot sustain us. We stumble. We fall. Yet even in our weakness, the Spirit makes us aware, convicts us, and leads us to recovery.

True strength comes not from ourselves, but from God. It requires a steady diet of His Word, prayer, and the fellowship of the Spirit. Only then can we stand, even after we slip.

Recently, Peg and I visited Amish country—a place where old traditions meet new innovations, and where faith and grace are woven into everyday life. In a small act at Rebecca’s Bistro, we were reminded of the Spirit’s presence. A forgotten charge for a slice of carrot cake gave us the chance to do what was right. It was a simple choice, but it showed again how the Spirit guides us in even the smallest matters of integrity.

Grace is not just received—it is also lived out. Just days ago, tragedy struck when a young woman was killed riding her bike to work. Yet even amid heartbreak, her community’s faith and way of life reflected grace: the power to forgive, to endure, and to hope.

We, too, must learn to let go of pain, disappointment, and resentment. These are like weeds in a once-beautiful crop—planted without our consent, but threatening to choke our joy. Only the grace of God can uproot them. By choosing forgiveness, we allow His light to break through the clouds of hurt and reveal the new day He has prepared for us.

This is my prayer for you today: that you may find strength in God’s grace, let go of the burdens that hold you down, and step into the freedom and joy that only Christ can bring.

Amen.