Josh Allen Learns Why God Allows Tragedy

Even if you are not a football fan you probably heard about Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field during a game with the Cincinnati Bengals during Monday night football on January 2. When the medical staff rushed to Hamlin’s side they discovered he had gone into cardiac arrest. The Bills’ trainer was able to get his heart beating again—saving his life. An ambulance was driven onto the field, Hamlin was taken to the intensive care unit, and then the NFL did something I have never seen in a lifetime of watching football. They cancelled the game. They never made it up. I guess life and death are more important than football.

What followed is also without precedent. Even the announcers on ESPN—a network known for being Left-wing and woke, called for prayer on behalf of Hamlin. Normally we hear all of this talk about “sending him good thoughts.” But not this time. Apparently, when death is at the door good thoughts are not enough. This situation called for real prayer. And then, on the air, that is exactly what happened. One of the regular ESPN commentators is Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback. He and his on-air colleagues were so shaken that Orlovsky bowed his head while on air and prayed a beautiful prayer, interceding for Hamlin. The man and woman on the set with him bowed their heads and when he finished they all said a hearty “Amen!” You have to watch the prayer—I have linked it below.

The Federalist had a follow-up this week entitled, “Josh Allen Finds God.” Allen is the superstar quarterback of Hamlin’s team, the Bills. The article said, “Despite Hamlin’s dire scenario — which included falling into unconsciousness and requiring a breathing tube to stay alive — what transpired over the next several days after his collapse can only be described as a miracle orchestrated by God.” 

Since Hamlin’s collapse and subsequent recovery Allen has been vocal about the “spiritual awakening” he experienced throughout his teammate’s ordeal.

He admitted that he had not been the strongest follower of Jesus Christ but that this was something he had never felt before. His complete helplessness in the face of tragedy. 

So Allen quite literally had a “come to Jesus moment.” The Federalist goes on to say, “In a culture rife with hate…open professions of faith in Christ like Allen’s are refreshing and much needed. His “come to Jesus” moment isn’t just an admission of God’s palpable existence, but a realization that we can’t live fulfilled lives without Him….Allen’s apparent realization of this should serve as a lesson that no matter where you find yourself in life, it’s never too late to embrace Christ. As much of the country prayed for Hamlin, let’s pray for Allen too — and that his case isn’t an anomaly, but a sign that our culture is reorienting itself toward God and his Word.”

Looking out on our wider culture can be discouraging but this is reminder that our God has the final say on everything that happens. He can change everything in an instant. He will do that with the return of Jesus Christ. In the meantime our Lord interjects Himself into our lives in ways and in places we would never expect. He is Lord, He is sovereign, He is in charge. As Paul challenged us, “My brethren be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

More: Orlovsky’s prayer: https://www.foxnews.com/media/social-media-praises-espns-dan-orlovskys-prayer-damar-hamlin-powerful-brave-genuine

The Federalist on Josh Allen’s awakening: https://thefederalist.com/2023/01/17/josh-allen-reminds-us-its-never-too-late-to-embrace-christ/

I have a video on a similar theme, “Where was God when my house burned down?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adl6XqVZKck