Luke 1:80 The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel [as John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah].
John the Baptist is often overlooked in sermons, but he gives us a great example of spiritual strength. He was born mere months before Jesus, to a couple who had prayed for a child for years and believed themselves too old to procreate. His father, Zechariah, was rendered mute by the angel Gabriel because he questioned how they would have a child at their age. But, because there is nothing too hard for God, they conceived and had a son they named John as God commanded.
We don’t learn about John’s early life, but we know that he grew to fulfill the call on his life to go before the Lord to prepare the way. He became John the Baptist. He convinced people to repent of their sins and be baptized with water, as the One whose way he smoothed would baptize them with fire. He knew that he was not the Messiah, and he never tried to be anyone but who he was meant to be, even humbly noting that he was not worthy to untie the sandals of Jesus.
John displayed spiritual strength that allowed him to overcome criticisms by the religious leaders and, undoubtedly, questions regarding his sanity. Spiritual strength derives from a strong faith in God, walking humbly before the Lord, and doing God’s will in our lives while we can. John was humble in his demeanor toward Jesus but was fiery for the Lord. Like all people, he had momentary doubts, for when he was imprisoned, he sent disciples to ask if Jesus was the one to come. He was reassured by Jesus’s answer, I believe.
Today, we need the spiritual strength that comes from the Lord. It is the power to heal, forgive, and help us overcome all obstacles including sickness, doubts, financial issues, and anything that seeks to defeat us. Keep doing the work of the Lord, realizing that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ the Lord.
Amen.
Help from Heaven 
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Matthew 11:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Matthew 3:11
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The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Luke 16:16
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