God has made a commitment to be faithful to His children over the long haul. He promised never to leave nor forsake us. He sees the big picture. Preachers need to look long-term as they blend their lives into the very fabric of those with whom they serve. Church leaders need to see beyond the temporary crisis, this year's budget, or the latest complaint they have received.
Farmers cultivate, plant, fertilize, pray, and wait for harvest which comes much later.
Short-term is easy. Long-term is difficult. But long-term commitment is still God's way of doing business. Second , God looks at what we can become, not what we actually are. When He met the woman at the well, He looked beyond her faults, saw her needs, and enabled her to share the good news of God with others.