No Stop is Insignificant

“At the Lord’s command Moses recorded the stages in their journey. This is their journey by stages:”  Numbers 33:2 NIV

In a story titled “Runner becomes 50 millionth UK Parkrun finisher” published by the BBC last week, it was reported that “Heidi Pearson, 35, from Brundall Norfolk, became the UK's 50 millionth Parkrun finisher. On Monday afternoon she received an email from Parkrun's head office in London to say they had been "crunching some numbers" and that Ms Pearson had reached the "amazing" milestone… Ms Pearson, who did her first Parkrun five years ago, said: “Lowestoft is a lovely, fast route and everyone is really friendly down there, so it’s nice that it [milestone run) happened there. I'm training for a marathon next year and Parkrun will definitely be part of my journey."

And you know, when it comes to going from one place to another as part of a journey to a final destination, the Bible tells us that the Lord led the Israelites from Egypt to the threshold of the Promised Land “by stages.” It was a long journey that took 40 years and was recorded at the Lord’s command by Moses for us to carefully consider. And while Moses’ account gives us 42 place names, starting with Rameses of Egypt and ending with the plains of Moab, you can see that not every stage of the journey seemed significant. You can be sure it’s not because God didn’t teach them something with each move though. Just like with us, God teaches His children as He leads them… stopping us at places that might seem insignificant at the time but, in looking back, we can see they were always for our good and for our growth. 

So wherever God has you on this journey to the Promised Land we call Heaven, be thankful that you have a God who loves you enough to guide you my friend. The road won’t always be easy and the stops may seem to tarry, but rest assured that if you are a child of God, you are where you are for a reason and a season. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us as You loved Your people of old. They weren't perfect and neither are we—which is the very reason we thank you for Your patience and provision as we make this journey to our final destination. Help us to inspire others to join us on this journey so we can do our part to make heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!