The Power of Long-Term Thinking in Faith

It sure is easy to get caught up in the moment, fixating on immediate concerns and short-term outcomes, isn’t it? But what if we were to shift our perspective and embrace a more eternal mindset? This change in thinking can profoundly impact our faith journey and relationship with God.

Consider the story of King Saul and the people of Jabesh-Gilead, found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. This lesser-known biblical narrative offers a powerful lesson in gratitude, honor, and long-term thinking.

The tale begins with the people of Jabesh-Gilead facing a dire situation. Surrounded by the Ammonites, they were on the brink of surrender, each of them facing the horrific prospect of having their right eye gouged out as a sign of disgrace. In their desperation, they sent messengers throughout Israel, hoping for rescue.

Enter Saul, newly anointed as Israel’s first king. Upon hearing of Jabesh-Gilead’s plight, the Spirit of God came upon him. In a decisive moment, Saul rallied an army of over 330,000 men and launched a surprise attack, utterly defeating the Ammonites and saving the people of Jabesh-Gilead from certain doom.

Fast forward 40 years. Saul has died in battle, and the Philistines have dishonored his body by hanging it on the wall of Beth-shan. It’s at this moment that the men of Jabesh-Gilead spring into action. They undertake a perilous night journey to retrieve Saul’s body, ensuring he receives a proper burial and restoring his honor in death.

Why would they risk their lives for a dead king? The answer lies in their long-term memory and deep sense of gratitude. Four decades after Saul saved them from a terrible fate, the people of Jabesh-Gilead still remembered. They hadn’t forgotten the pivotal moment when Saul united a fragmented nation to come to their rescue. This act of kindness had changed the trajectory of their lives, and they were determined to honor it, even long after Saul had fallen from grace.

This story challenges us to examine our own approach to faith and gratitude. How often do we fixate on the immediate, forgetting the bigger picture of God’s work in our lives? We may obsess over a recent sin or worry about our current standing with God, losing sight of the eternal perspective.

The Bible reminds us that God’s plans often unfold over centuries, even millennia. The prophet Daniel foretold the coming of the Messiah with remarkable accuracy 500 years before it happened. God’s timeline is vastly different from our own, and His plans for us extend far beyond our limited human perspective.

Imagine shifting your mindset from a day-to-day focus to an eternal one. Instead of constantly asking, “God, what have you done for me lately?” we could cultivate an attitude of enduring gratitude. We could remember and honor the pivotal moments in our faith journey, recognizing the long-term impact of God’s work in our lives.

This change in thinking doesn’t mean we should ignore the present or neglect short-term planning. Rather, it’s about maintaining a balanced perspective that acknowledges both the immediate and the eternal. It’s about trusting that the God who planned our salvation 2,000 years ago is still working in our lives today, even when we can’t see or understand it.

Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:28-30: “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”

These verses remind us that God cares for even the smallest details of creation. How much more does He care for us, His children? When we truly internalize this truth, it can free us from the constant worry about our day-to-day struggles and help us trust in God’s long-term plan for our lives.

Moreover, this eternal perspective can transform how we treat others. Just as the people of Jabesh-Gilead honored Saul long after his reign had ended, we too can cultivate a culture of honor and gratitude in our lives. We can recognize and appreciate those who have played significant roles in our faith journey, whether parents, mentors, or friends who introduced us to Christ.

David’s response to the actions of the men of Jabesh-Gilead provides another powerful example. Instead of viewing them as potential threats or supporters of his rival, David blessed them for their loyalty and kindness to Saul. He recognized the value of their actions and promised to show them the same favor. This demonstrates a level of wisdom and long-term thinking that we would do well to emulate in our own lives.

As we reflect on these biblical stories and teachings, let’s challenge ourselves to adopt a more eternal mindset. Here are a few practical steps we can take:

1. Regularly reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life, not just in recent times but over the years.

2. Practice gratitude daily, acknowledging both big and small blessings.

3. When facing momentary challenges, remind yourself of God’s long-term plan and promises.

4. Honor those who have positively impacted your faith journey, even if it’s been many years.

5. Study the Bible with an eye for the larger narrative, seeing how individual stories connect to God’s overarching plan.

6. Trust that God is working in your life, even when you can’t see immediate results.

By embracing this eternal perspective, we can deepen our faith, increase our trust in God, and live with greater purpose and peace. Remember, the God who knows the number of hairs on your head is the same God who is orchestrating the grand narrative of history. He sees the end from the beginning, and He holds your life in His hands.

So, let’s lift our eyes from the immediate concerns that so often consume us and fix them on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). In doing so, we may find that our momentary troubles fade in light of God’s eternal glory, and our faith grows stronger with each passing day.

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Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

Day 1: Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Reading: Psalm 103:1-5

Devotional: Just as the people of Jabesh-Gilead remembered Saul’s act of kindness for 40 years, we too are called to remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. Reflect on the ways God has rescued, redeemed, and blessed you. How can cultivating a spirit of gratitude and remembrance change your daily perspective? Take time to praise God for His enduring love and grace, recognizing that His faithfulness extends far beyond our immediate circumstances.

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Day 2: God’s Eternal Perspective

Reading: Isaiah 55:8-11

Devotional: Our human perspective is often limited to the present moment or the near future, but God’s plans span across generations and even millennia. Consider how God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. How might embracing God’s eternal perspective change the way you view your current challenges or uncertainties? Pray for the wisdom to trust in God’s long-term plans for your life, even when you can’t see the full picture.

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Day 3: The Power of Honor

Reading: Romans 12:9-10

Devotional: The story of Jabesh-Gilead’s men honoring Saul long after his death demonstrates the lasting impact of showing respect and gratitude. Who in your life deserves honor for their role in your spiritual journey? How can you express that honor in tangible ways? Reflect on how cultivating a culture of honor in your relationships might strengthen your faith community and witness to others.

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Day 4: God’s Faithfulness in Our Weakness

Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Devotional: Despite Saul’s failures, God still used him to rescue Jabesh-Gilead, and their gratitude lasted for decades. How does this story encourage you in your own weaknesses and failures? Meditate on how God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Thank God for His grace that covers your shortcomings and ask for the strength to persevere in faith, knowing that His plan for you is greater than your mistakes.

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Day 5: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Devotional: It’s important to our walk with the Lord that we emphasize fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. What distractions or short-term concerns tend to draw your focus away from Christ? Reflect on how Jesus, knowing the end from the beginning, endured the cross for the joy set before Him. How can this eternal perspective inspire you to run your race with endurance? Commit to fixing your gaze on Jesus today, trusting in His perfect plan for your life.