00:00Now and again TV comes up with something inspiring and out of the ordinary, as happened last night in the
00:06programme Grand Designs.
00:09Some of the people reading this may have seen it, but for the benefit of those who didn't, I will
00:16explain what made it so moving and unusual.
00:20A young married couple decided to transform an old derelict barn into a beautiful home. Nothing unusual in that.
00:30But what was unusual was the fact that they both had serious health issues which could eventually prove fatal.
00:38Her husband had suffered from cancer, which, though in remission, could recur.
00:45And the wife had a disease which caused her to have a low immunity level, which often put her at
00:52risk of serious illness.
00:55But the husband said his illness had given him the motivation to take on the challenge.
01:01If he had not been ill, it would not have happened.
01:06When the work was completed, both of them, doing as much of it as they could themselves,
01:12he said they now had a safe and beautiful place to live, while they still had precious time together.
01:19The presenter, at the end, said,
01:22Three words describe this build, against the odds.
01:28So often in life this does happen.
01:32We somehow get through difficulties, illnesses, disappointments, accidents, tragedies,
01:40any of which could have been disastrous, even life-threatening.
01:44Not only do we come through, but like that young couple, we can be spurred on to attempt greater things.
01:54Where does such strength and determination come from?
01:58Some would say it is the human spirit which is so resilient.
02:02But I think it is more than that.
02:04I believe that in each one of us, there is something of the strength and spirit of our Creator
02:11that either consciously or unconsciously we draw upon.
02:16That is surely happening now, as we fight against the Covid virus.
02:21We will not give in to it.
02:23Against the odds, it will be brought under control.
02:28Another thought?
02:29God is in it with us, and it is He who has given the knowledge and skill
02:35to those who have been able to produce the vaccines, which are our hope for success.
02:41The final victory will be His, as we cooperate with Him.
02:48For me, the hymn from the Methodist Hymns and Psalms book sums it up.
02:55From Thee all skill and silence flow, all pity, care, and love.
03:01All calm and courage, faith and hope.
03:05O pour them from above.
03:08And part them, Lord, to each and all, as each and all shall need.
03:13To rise like incense, each to Thee, in noble thought and need.
03:19O hasten, Lord, that perfect day when pain and death shall cease,
03:24and Thy just rule shall fill the earth with health and light and peace.
03:33Charles Kingsley, 1819-75
03:38Thank you, Lord, for your constant presence with us,
03:42and the courage and strength you give us when things seem to be against the odds.
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