There's safety in numbers

"After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit." Luke 10:1 BSB

Philip Kreycik, a runner who disappeared last month (and whose story many runners like me were following) while running in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in California and whose body was identified by his family Aug. 5, most likely died from a heat stroke, according to GPS data from his smartwatch, the Mercury News reported yesterday. “Some experts in this field looked at the data and explained to us that it’s very possible that he had a heat stroke-related incident,” Sgt. Ray Kelly, spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, told the San Francisco Chronicle. “This can cause people to hallucinate and act out in irrational ways before they become unconscious.” Kreycik went for a 6- to 8-mile run on the morning of July 10 and left his wallet and phone inside his car. He didn’t return home. What makes the story even sadder is that, had Philip not gone running alone (something most of us do often), his heat stroke symptoms might likely have been identified early on by a companion and treated before Philip wandered off course and succumbed to the heat. 

And you know, as this story illustrates there truly is safety in numbers. Which is one of the very reasons the Lord sent the disciples out in pairs and later “appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit.” He sent the seventy-two in pairs, as He did the disciples, to not only give them the added credibility they needed as witnesses to prepare the people for Jesus’ visit but so they could protect, encourage, and support one other along the way. After all, as Solomon so wisely stated, “ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

So knowing there’s safety in numbers, find a group of believers to be a part of if you’re not part of one already my friend. Whether it's a small group or big group, they will not only encourage and support you along your ministry journey but will serve to protect you and keep you on course until you reach your destination. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we need one another, especially as we live out these last days where it’s becoming increasingly unpopular to be a Christian. Help us to encourage, protect, and motivate one another to fulfill the calling You have placed on us to go and make disciples of all nations no matter what obstacles we face along the way. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!