Brought to Our Knees

There are moments in life that shake us to the core of our being. In one of the most important games of their season, it was the heart attack of a 24-year-old athlete that brought the football field and the nation to its knees.

Our society has elevated athletes to an untouchable level. These are our heroes, and not without good reason. They are physically fit, they work hard, they make good money, and thousands of people gather around to watch them on a weekly basis. And when our heroes fall, we are faced with one of life’s guarantees that even they cannot escape: death. In the moment when we witness the mortality of our heroes, we are shaken to the core of our being.

As a collegiate minister and sports chaplain, I watch a lot of athletes pray the Lord’s prayer. They pray for their own health, the health of their teammates, for their games to be improved. I often think it’s a superstitious prayer, and I try to move them from superstition to spirituality. I want them to know that God has given us this gift of sport to enjoy the gift of play, competition, and to use their athletic ability to bring glory back to Him. God reveals so much about himself in sports: he values community, growth, and fun. I want them to know that the foundation of all of this is a relationship with God. I want them to know that prayer is a lifestyle, an ongoing conversation with a living God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

It was amazing to see the nation come together around Damar Hamlin in prayer. At the end of the day, we know that God hears our prayers. God is omniscient and omnipotent. That means He knows all things and can move all things. He cares for all the things that we care about, but it doesn’t mean that He will answer all of our prayers according to our will, it will be according to His will. He is sovereign and He has a long-term plan with our best interest in mind. 

I John 5:14-15a says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." As I am writing this, I am receiving the great news that Damar is awake, alert, and speaking. This is an answer to our prayers. We can share this hope and joy with everyone around us and testify to the power of prayer. We can step out in faith and offer to pray for the problems around us and give glory to God for answered prayer. 

Please continue to pray for the sports teams in our campus ministry. Del Val football is starting an off-season bible study in the spring semester and Chestnut Hill lacrosse is about to have their spring season: please pray for protection as they play the game they love.

Pray for me to share the Gospel weekly in our times together on the field. Thank you!