If someone had said weeks ago that there would be a world event that involved no one dying, and yet the world would unite in prayer, I wouldn’t have believed it. I suspect you wouldn’t have either.
A few weeks ago, this happening on ESPN was unimaginable. Take a look:
A friend asked this week, what do you think brought everyone together? Where people who don’t normally pray are praying and asking for prayer. And putting the love and care of people ahead of their own interests.
I didn’t have the word for it at first. Then another friend said it.
Helplessness.
Not only was Damar Hamlin helpless on national television for a few moments. By extension, all of us were helpless to help him. We were watching our worst nightmare happen in real time and had no idea how it would turn out. For about 24 hours, we were still unsure of his returning to health. Thank God he is getting better.
Here’s why this matters to what we do.
God is in control . . . and we’re not. We believe it, play songs about it, talk about it.
Then God decided to get everyone’s attention by reminding us, with a routine NFL football play, that we are helpless.
Here’s what I’m reminded of: Often, I feel like I have no control. Like things are spinning out of control. Like I need to let go of my control issues.
Because I never had control in the first place. Control is an illusion.
Damar was helpless. I am helpless. You are helpless. And God is totally, sovereignly, lovingly in control.
As we consider the year ahead, it’s time for each of us to consider our next step in letting go of the illusion of control and letting Him have control.
God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
