It’s been about a week since the NFL, and pretty much the entire world watched a young, healthy, world class athlete collapse after getting up from a routine hit. Time stood still for those agonizing moments that didn’t seem to end. Nobody knew what was happening. As the world watched intently for any sign of movement and hope, one of his trainers rushed to his side and began the lifesaving process of CPR.
So much has been said about what happened to Damar that evening. I’ve heard his heart stopped twice, and twice, he was brought back to life. All over the news and media doctors weighing in on what they believe took place that Monday evening at Paycor Stadium. Disease, heart attack? I, like everyone else, have my own thoughts and opinions on the collapse that shook up the nation.
But above and beyond all of that was the remarkable response that immediately followed. High paid professional athletes and coaches rushing the field, dropping to their knees crying out to God. A stadium of concerned fans and spectators lifting their voice in heartfelt prayer. News reporters, talk show hosts, and the media encouraging any and all to hold this young man up before God through the channel of prayer. “Hear oh God, our cry….” A powerful display.
It’s a sight to see, that’s for sure. And I believe that as those prayers were lifted up, the power of heaven was coming down. That’s our God. He is mercy and grace. He is almighty, all powerful and nobody can ever stop Him.
In a world that has unapologetically kicked Him out of every place, we pleaded for Him to show up at that NFL stadium. We cried out in desperation for Him to hear, and then move.
Funny, we don’t want Him in the schools because we don’t like what He has to say. How dare we teach our children a Biblical worldview. We definitely don’t want Him in politics, He’s far too divisive. And let’s make it impossible to bring Him to work. You know how offensive His ways can be. We just want to keep the peace. Heck, most churches these days don’t even like what He has to say. Repent. Stop sinning. Follow Me and only Me. Nope. That’s not a good message for today’s church. It causes us to be uncomfortable so let’s recreate our idea of the Gospel. Yes, that’s the world we live in. Turn to Him only in despair, hopelessness or anguish.
In a world of unbelief, we momentarily believe. We call down God when it becomes necessary. A crisis hits and we plead for mercy and help. We turn our face towards Him, and cry out to the very God we’ve demanded to leave. Just show us your glory, receive our applause and then you can remove Yourself from our our lives. We want your power, we just don’t want you.
So many people have made their choice. They are blatant in their rejection of the one and only God. The very way lives are lived confirms the distain for the truth. Unless of course, a moment comes and we desperately need Him to show up.
The God you make up in your mind isn’t god at all. You don’t get to pick and choose when and how you want to follow. Whether you trust God or not doesn’t make Him any less Lord. Whether you believe in Him or not doesn’t make Him and less real. Regardless of your opinion of His word, and it’s relevance doesn’t make it any less than the absolute truth. He is God. He deserves all of us, all the time, always.
Nobody knows Damar Hamlin’s fate. One thing we do know, like all of us, God and only God breathed life into that man. He was knit together in His mother’s womb. Created with purpose and intent. His days are carved out. Mercy was shown in a big way on January 2. My prayer is that he, and all of us come to know the God that showed up on the 30 yard line at Paycor Stadium during Monday night football last week.
Continued prayers for him and his family.