I have been watching with considerable interest the developing story of the football player that was resuscitated on the field on Monday night. This has been one of those stories that brings me to tears with each item I read. Watching it all transpire. Seeing his fellow players reduced to tears on the field. Seeing them kneel to pray as individuals and as a group. It has all just been so heartwarming and heart-wrenching, all at the same time. The young man appears to be improving at this time, and certainly, our prayers continue.

Prayer is what I want to talk about. Did you see the commentator on ESPN praying on the air? That was truly amazing. He seemed sure that was what he was called to do, but he also seemed a bit apprehensive about it as well. I am certain it was that feeling of when you know God is telling you now is the time, but you are so afraid to step out and do what He is asking you to do. I have no doubt that God was touching him and telling him that a prayer offered on national television was what the moment called for. Honestly, it was a bit shocking to see this happen. And he stated, “I am going to bow my head and close my eyes.” He wasn’t reading a prepared prayer or statement. The man was praying from a heart that knew that God was the answer. I watched as the other two commentators also bowed their heads and both said, “Amen!” When he was finished. If you didn’t see it, you need to try to find it and watch it.

Damar Hamlin is the young football player in the hospital now. From all accounts, he was raised a Christian. He went to a Catholic high school. He has been quoted as saying, “My faith is in God. So whatever He has planned for me, that’ll be it.” 

Can you see how God is using this situation? Not that God caused it, but He did allow it. What a great time of seeing people turn back to God in prayer! A time of seeing a change in the hearts of so many. God can use any situation and turn it into good. We see it in the story of Jospeh and his brothers when they sold him into slavery.  And yet, many, many years later, Joseph was their rescuer. Joseph told his brothers, “What you meant for evil, God used for good.”

So many things are happening in our country right now that are frustrating to all of us, no matter which side of the line you are on. It doesn’t take a Republican or a Democrat to see that things are not necessarily going well right now. When was the last time you intentionally prayed for our country and our leaders? When was the last time you actually prayed for those who we elected to make decisions for us? When was the last time you prayed for our city and county leaders? Prayed for our teachers and administrators? Prayed for our doctors and nurses? Prayed for your friends.

We are seeing people in our nation turning back to calling on God. Let’s all be a part of this movement and let’s all be a part of not letting it stop. It will make a difference!

By: Gina Caswell Kelly