A crazy thing happened today at church. I can't get it off my mind.
This morning, in the middle of the sermon, a guy stood up and yelled for help. The man next to him had collapsed and we later found out was not breathing and had no pulse. The pastor obviously stopped and requested that any medical professionals respond. I saw probably 20+ people jump into action. I was about 100 feet away but could overhear people yelling "call 911" and "we need a defibrillator!" The eeriest thing was hearing one the doctors administer CPR.
Our church is pretty big so over 1,000 people where sitting helpless in their seats listening, praying, and (some) crying, all wishing there was something we could do. The tech team wisely put on some background music which seamed inappropriate at the time but was such a relief as it helped block out some the noises of people's attempts to revive this man.
As I watched the crowd of medical professionals hover around him, I noticed they all seemed to relax at once. He was responsive. Rumor has it he requested not to be taken to the hospital. Yeah, right buddy.
Five to ten minutes later the paramedics arrived, made sure he was stable, and wheeled him out of the sanctuary. A clap erupted and as the guy was being wheeled out, he gave a big wave to everyone. It was such relief. That wave allowed almost everyone in there to breathe a sigh of relief and actually smile at his exit.
I've jokingly said that other than a hospital, The Crossing would be the next best place to have a medical situation. Not only were there tons of doctors and nurses ready to jump into action but there were over 1,000 people praying on your behalf at the same time. Considering that "God hears the prayers of righteous people," (Prov 15:29) I'm thinking he had to put earplugs in around 11:45 this morning.
I truly believe that God is the author life. I believe he knows the number days we each have left on this earth. I believe he knew this was going to happen this morning and he is going to use it for good. This morning was a reminder to me and hopefully to others, "to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). It also reminded me that "you do not know what tomorrow will bring" (James 4:14).
Like I said, I haven't had a ton of time to process all of this. I'm so thankful he is alive and well and being taken care of at this moment.
The service was wrapped up by the congregation singing Amazing Grace. What a perfect song for a morning like this one.
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