Something powerful occurred during this past Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals.
For those of you who do not know, a young safety by the name of Damar Hamlin for the Buffalo Bills went into cardiac arrest after making a tackle.
He initially stood up and then collapsed to the field. It was a shocking and disturbing scene. Members of both teams were visibly shaken as they saw one of their brethren lying motionless on the field.
After a number of tense minutes, the on-site medical team was able to help Damar regain a pulse and then they drove away to the hospital.
As the ambulance was pulling away, this is where the powerful scene took place.
The entire Buffalo Bills team, coaches, and staff huddled together, bowed down and prayed.
Seeing this happen on a national televised game was a sight to behold.
Regardless of whether each member of the team believes in the power of prayer or not, the fact that all of them knew in that moment the best way to fight for the life of their teammate was to commit him to the ultimate Healer.
This should be a motivation for us who know our Lord intimately.
Instead of complaining about the state of the culture, we should be on our knees inviting the Kingdom of God to become present here on Earth.
In order for true and lasting change to be effective in this land and within our communities, men must bow their knees and call upon the Power of God to manifest in every situation.
We are inundated with images and messages that discourage men from operating from the position that God has ordained for them.
Masculinity is now toxic. Manliness is no longer welcomed in the public square.
Men must give in to their emotions and be led by them.
On the contrary, men are called to be the head.
Men are called to lead from their spirits.
Men are called to be the rock upon which their families are established.
When a group of men gather together to pray, the kingdom of darkness is shaken.
When a group of men gather together to pray, spiritual power is released that can destroy any oppressing spirit that wants to steal, kill, and destroy.
When a group of men gather together to pray, Jesus is in the midst of them.
Prayer stiffens the backbone and steels the resolve.
The effectual fervent prayer of righteous men has much power!!
I believe the saying goes, 'There are no atheists in foxholes.' Unleashing the evil that is killing young men is a terrible thing, but for all of us to be reminded of our mortality in the way that these athletes and coaches are being reminded, may yet be good for them and all of us. But you are right, we should all be praying that this plague passes by soon and without much more harm.