2025 Advent Devotion: Day 9

Tuesday, December 9

Isaiah 41:14-20; Romans 15:14-21

The flight from Korea to Prague was the “straw that broke my back.” We didn’t know my husband tore his meniscus on the way; he was in so much pain during that flight. At the same time, my son’s fever spiked with severe headaches. On my left, I was securing my husband’s leg so no turbulence would shake his painful knee. On my right, I was holding my son’s head on my lap so no movement would worsen his headaches. I stayed in this position for 10 hours with a few breaks, and I remember praying repeatedly, “God, are you going to help me?”

In Isaiah 41:14-20, the prophet assures Israel that God will help them. After being in exile for many years, that was probably a big relief to hear. God’s purpose is clear: that people will see and know that it is only the Lord who can do this. In Romans 15:14-21, the apostle Paul reiterates his ministry to the Gentiles, which is to testify of what Christ has done in his life so that those who do not know Christ will see and understand. When God helps, people who see it will know about Him.

Our health ordeal did not end when we landed back in Prague. My husband’s surgery, rehab, and medication took up the next year. Even though it didn’t seem like it at the time, God did answer my prayer on that flight. He rescued us in the following months and continues to help us. He worked through our family, the flight attendants, the doctors, the nurses, our church communities, families, and friends. In the midst of our crisis, He was present, and our friends and neighbors who do not know and believe in God were able to see that hope. We were able to say, “Hope has a name. His name is Jesus.” He is the very Jesus that we celebrate during Christmas.

We continue to testify that there is a good and gracious God, even though our lives spiral out of our control. With our brokenness and limitations, His strength and deliverance shine through. Our healing and deliverance may not seem as dramatic as that of the Israelites during the time of Isaiah or in the life of the apostle Paul. But our hope in Christ empowers us to continue trusting Him and sharing His love. Our hope allows us to offer to the hopeless the assurance that God can be their help. This Christmas season, remember that Hope has a name. His name is Jesus!


Rowena Casiño
Grief Counselor, Missionary in Prague