Jesus—Spiritual Steroids for Success

We Are Here to Pump You Up!

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1–4, 29–31; Luke 3:1–6

Introduction: The Illusion of Strength

Hans and Franz, the 1990s SNL duo, poked fun at our obsession with strength, mocking both physical prowess and the lengths we go to achieve it. They’re caricatures, but they reveal something real: we often equate weakness with failure and strength with success, driving us to pursue “strength” in ways that can be self-destructive.

Consider Lance Armstrong. His athletic feats were legendary—until we learned they were

fueled by performance-enhancing drugs. His artificial strength led to temporary success but came at the cost of his health, reputation, and legacy. Armstrong’s story reflects our human tendency to seek shortcuts to overcome our limitations, even when those paths are ultimately destructive.

The strength we need comes from our Heavenly Father—he promises it to us when we cooperate with his grace and say yes to his plan for our lives. Our Father through the prophet Isaiah promises the strength to stare down and defeat any challenge but our strength is made perfect and real only in the power of Jesus Christ.

It is Jesus and the Holy Spirit who strengthen the weary and renew the powerless. Hear again the words of hope from the Prophet Isaiah (chapter 40) and John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-6)

The Historical Context: Judgment and Comfort

To grasp the promises of Isaiah 40, we must revisit Isaiah 39. King Hezekiah, after a miraculous recovery, foolishly displayed Judah’s treasures to Babylonian envoys. His prideful act, intended to showcase his strength, was self-destructive, akin to Lance Armstrong’s reliance on false strength.

Hezekiah, a generally good king who brought positive changes to Judah, was plagued by pride and self-trust, foreshadowing a grave prophecy.

“The time will surely come when everything in your palace…will be carried off to Babylon.” (Isaiah 39:6)

That prophecy came true. Jerusalem was destroyed, the Temple lay in ruins, and the people of Judah were carried off to Babylon. For those in captivity and those left behind, these were dark days of loss and despair.

It is into this context of judgment and brokenness that God speaks through Isaiah:

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for.” (Isaiah 40:1–2)

God’s words remind us that judgment and hard times are not the end of the story. Even in weakness and failure, God delivers restoration. He doesn’t meet us halfway—He comes all the way to us. This is why Jesus is called Emmanuel, “God with us.” God is with us in our darkest moments, providing the strength we need to endure.

Preparing The Way (Isaiah 40:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6)

Isaiah 40 continues with a promise:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:29–31)

The strength God offers is not fleeting or artificial like steroids—it is real, eternal, and life-giving. But just like a daily medication, it requires regular “doses” to be fully effective.

John the Baptist quoting Isaiah 40  points forward to a future hope and how to keep getting the needed injections of Holy Ghost Power. There is

“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together’” (Isaiah 40:3–5).

John helped prepare the way for Jesus in the same way that Isaiah and the prophets did—they called us to repentance and unity with our Heavenly Father. As we become united with our Heavenly Father the valleys of despair are lifted, the mountains of pride humbled, and the crooked paths of sin made straight.

How to Stay Spiritually “Pumped Up”

Like Lance Armstrong I take medication, protonix, every day to help prevent me from ever developing an ulcer again. It really works but if I forget to take it within an hour of when it is due I am reminded of the importance of taking my protonix on dose and on schedule.

Jesus is the source of true hope and strength, spiritual steroids if you will, but you really do have to take your medicine on dose and on schedule or it does not reach full efficacy. Lance Armstrong’s performance enhancing drugs  and my protonix only work when we use them. Being united to Jesus and the Father only works when we take the steps to be united to them.

1. Wait on the Lord Through Prayer and Scripture

Isaiah promises that “those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” Waiting means actively seeking God through daily prayer and meditating on His Word. Tools like the Daily Office in the Book of Common Prayer or the simplified version of the Daily Office we have created can make this a consistent practice. Schedule it, prioritize it, and share the journey with others for accountability.

2. Act in Faith and Step Into Your Calling

God’s strength isn’t just for comfort—it’s for action. Isaiah says we will “run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.” What step of active faith is God calling you to take?

• Is it inviting someone you know into Christian community?

• Is it trusting our Father with a difficult decision?

• Is it becoming more faithful with your money or time?

Faith grows when it’s put into action. Like an athlete training, we build spiritual endurance by trusting God and stepping out in faith.

Jesus: The Source of Real Strength

Isaiah’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus. On the cross, He took on our weakness, offering us His strength in return. His resurrection shattered the limits of human frailty, showing us that true power comes from unity with Him.

Artificial strength akin to what Hezekiah displayed, like steroids, breaks us down over time. The strength of Christ builds us up, renewing us daily. But just as medicine only works when taken, we must remain connected to Jesus to experience the full power of His promises.

Take Your Daily Dose of Hope

God’s strength meets us in our weakness. When you feel burdened, remember Isaiah’s words:

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

And when hope feels distant, cling to the promise in Luke:

“All people will see God’s salvation.”

Stay connected to the source of true strength. Don’t forget to take your medicine. Amen.