Read: James 5:7-8

As James finishes his letter, he gives a number of rapid fire encourage. First, "keeping going", he says.

James encourages his readers to be patient - not just in the sense of quietly waiting for Jesus to return, for justice to prevail, for wrongs to be set right. But he is talking about "persevering" - the fortitude to persist in doing good in the midst of challenge and adversity.

And James cites the farmer as an example of a farmer. Once a field is planted, a farmer doesn't just sit around and sip lemonade until harvest. Rather, he has to tend to and watch his crop diligently and do whatever needs doing until harvest. The life of a disciple is a marathon. In order to finish, we have to keep going, come what may.

For Christians, "harvest" is when Jesus returns. That's who we are tending our fields for, and it's the big finish at the end of the marathon. And like other Bible contributors, James encourages us to not be caught napping on the porch when Jesus returns.

Write
Think about your faith story: what are the present challenges in your life that makes "keeping going" a challenge?

In your faith marathon, are you currently in the zone or are your feeling discouraged and tired?

What resources do you need from God to re-invigorate your run?

What obstacles and challenges do you need help with?

Do you know someone who is discouraged in their run?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about the condition of your relationship with him, others, and yourself. Talk to him about the challenges you are facing, the struggles which zap energy and enthusiasm.

Ask God for the help you need to keep going.

Pray for your friend who is discouraged, and ask God how you can be their running partner, to help them back into the race.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you lean on him to persevere and keep going, as you come along another who is needing help to keep going, and as you find new inspiration to live the Jesus-life.