Sermon On Reach For The Sky

Brandon Royal, a Western provinces-born educational author once remarked: “The sky is a reminder that many things are possible even though they seem beyond our reach.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 confirms: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

It is said that to “Reach for the Sky” is to set very high goals or aspirations to attain the very best in life. It may be regarded as seeking feats or achievements that might be considered virtually impossible to grasp. It can involve the search for the freedom in life that is so special to all, but yet, only remains a distant dream for many. If it were feasibly possible, it would certainly equate to the thrill of flying unaided, high in the air, through unrestricted or unhindered air space. It might involve seeking protection, especially by God. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Poor health or disease can cause devastation in people’s lives. Individuals who have possibly had little or no previous experience of illness, can suddenly be struck down, without warning, with life-changing disorders that may create significant challenges or even terminal conditions. Everything in life may appear to be against a person and their lives may feel destroyed when they learn of their plight. However, it should be remembered that not everything is sent to completely destroy, but sometimes disguised to help increase one's inner strength, fortitude, or faith. Henry Ford, an American industrialist once remarked: “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Although certain areas in South Africa are considered affluent, poverty still prevails in others, leading to disease and a significant shortage of food. This can contribute to a high incidence of malnutrition in some. Philippians 4:12-13 confirms: “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

A story is told of three nuns based at a convent situated near Flintshire who volunteered to go on a specific mission to a clinic based in a South African township dealing primarily with patients suffering from Tuberculosis. (TB) The intention was to temporarily support a lack of nursing staff based at the clinic due to other commitments. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection, spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It is a serious condition that can sometimes prove fatal if not treated properly. Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs, however, no part of the body is excluded from the clutches of the infection. South Africa is listed as one of the thirty high-burden tuberculosis countries and has one of the highest recorded incidence rates in the world.

High levels of Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) also feature prominently in the country’s statistics. After their arrival, and a period of rest to recover from the traveling, the nuns were shown into a ward occupied by young children suffering from varying stages of the disease. Each nun had obtained significant nursing experience and was welcomed as a valuable asset by the staff working in the clinic. The symptoms in children range from fever, tiredness, perspiration and weight loss. If the disease is primarily located in the lungs, then significant bouts of coughing and chest pain will also be encountered.

These symptoms are particularly distressing for young children who may seek attention, affection, and comfort in their time of need. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

In the first bed of the main children’s ward, was a young girl who had been diagnosed with Active Pulmonary TB. One of the nuns approached the young girl who appeared in particular distress to check on her condition. The young child had obviously been crying, but when the nun approached her, she stopped, smiled at the nun and reached out her little hand to its fullest extent to clasp the nun’s hand. The nun gladly responded and took hold of the girl’s hand, gently but reassuringly.