Series: How Do You See Jesus
HE’S ALWAYS NEARBY
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalms 23:4 NKJV
This verse became very real to so many of us this past Monday night, when Damar Hamlin went down with a life-threatening injury.
Suddenly the “shadow of death” seemed to cover all of Paycor Stadium as the medical team tried to keep Damar alive.
It was amazing to watch the two teams come together as soon as they realized the severity of his condition. The first thing these big, tough guys did, was start praying for their fallen brother - unafraid to express their feelings or shed tears.
These feelings and actions also spread to the media and ESPN, in particular. Like “Short Order Cook posted on Friday’s FS, “For a brief period, the whole nation united for one cause.” (like after 911)
For days, NFL coaches and players, ESPN analysts and broadcasters, and media people have been asking for the country to pray, and also thanking God for the
“remarkable”and even “miraculous”
progress Damar has shown. One day this week I watched an ESPN
analyst actually bow his head and pray out loud for Damar - on National TV. When is the last time we saw that happen?? (if ever)
I believe the events we have witnessed this week, are nothing short of a miracle. I know there are those who do not believe in prayer, much less miracles, but when you see a man stop breathing, without a pulse THREE TIMES, and still recovers to be able to speak and with no apparent brain malfunction, in only 3-4 days, I hope it at least makes us pause and give thanks.
Here’s what I’m trying to say. One of the most frequent questions I’m asked, by both unbelievers AND
Christians, is “Why would an omnipotent (all powerful), loving God allow such horrible things to happen to good people. Well…. I’ve just given a very small sampling of just a few of the good things that have come out of this horrific accident. Also, it’s impossible to know what else good may come from this. The Bible says what Satan meant for evil, God will use for good.
On Monday, “ripogenu” posted a quote on the “Thought for the Day”
thread on FS: “Life is like photography; you develop from the negatives.” What a great quote!
Here’s what the Bible says about it:
“And we know that God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28 NLT
Please watch the following video
(when you have time) by Dr. David Jeremiah , titled “THE JOY OF ADVERSITY”
It will be well worth your time.
God bless you! 🙏🏻
Randy
Note: You can by-pass the intro and commercials by fast -forward to 2:20 (2 minutes-20 seconds) on the 27 1/2 minute video.
https://online-sermons.org/davidjeremiah/3116-david-jeremiah-the-joy-of-adversity.htmlSeries: How Do You See Jesus br HE’S ALWAYS NEARBY... (