Spirit Empowered Courage

Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 41:14–20 | Romans 15:14–21

Isaiah 41:14–20 paints a vivid picture of God meeting His people in the liminal space between fear and promise. Israel is called a “worm” although not as an insult, but as a reminder of just how fragile and vulnerable they had become in their rebellion. Yet God steps toward them, speaking courage into their trembling. This is a God who does not wait for His people to “level up.” He acts precisely when they sense they have nothing left. God’s power shines brightest in those who admit their smallness.

Romans 15:14–21 deepens this theme by reminding us that God delights in working through people who feel unqualified. Paul insists that his ministry succeeds not because he is impressive, but because Christ acts through him. Advent, then, isn’t about manufacturing a better version of ourselves. It’s about living in expectancy that God will do what only He can do. Today’s readings challenge us to exchange self-reliance for Spirit-empowered courage.

When life feels like a relentless spotlight on our deficiencies, these passages remind us that God is not deterred by our weakness; He is drawn to it. Advent hope is not built on our capability but on God’s unstoppable commitment to restore, strengthen, and renew us.

Devotional Prompts:

• Where do you feel small or inadequate, and how might God be speaking courage into that place?
• How does Isaiah’s imagery reshape your understanding of divine strength and human weakness?
• What would it look like to trust God’s empowerment rather than your own competence this week?

Prayer:
God who meets the trembling with tenderness, draw near to us in our weakness. Lift our eyes from fear to your faithful strength. Give us courage to trust your restoring power as we walk into the days ahead. Amen.