Abigail: Strength and Courage

And she said to her servants, ‘Go on before me; see, I am coming after you.’

But she did not tell her husband Nabal” 1 Samuel 25:19

Sometimes we discover an urgent need when we least expect it. It’s just an ordinary day, and suddenly a dire need arises and it’s brought to our attention. And wouldn’t you just know it? Instantly, God’s Spirit shows us that we possess what’s most urgently needed. What’s that? The wisdom, resources, and love that satisfies and brings aid to the weary. So in obedient response, we write a note, prepare a meal, open our homes, visit the infirmed, make an encouraging phone call, lead a small group, or start a prison Bible study – or two. Watch this, though. Our favorable engagement is not only prudent and purposeful, but it’s part of God’s plan. It exposes His dominion over all things, including His ability to see and meet our physical and spiritual needs. Note, too, that He always gravitates to the source of greatest need and that’s a God thing – a God principle. Jesus models this throughout gospels. (If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, a list of examples is provided at the end of this devotional.) Take notice: God is not only the God of love, mercy, and justice but also a God of principles – and the principle before us concerns supply and demand, plus deliverance!

I speak from personal experience in this regard. Over the years, God’s aid has been unique, purposeful, and timely. As I recall these blessings, I confess that God’s help arrived just in the nick of time, changing our burdensome circumstances. Did you catch that? To His great glory, we could only testify that “divine help, wisdom, and love had came straight from the hand of God!” As always, it was when there was no other way but for a merciful God to work a miracle on our behalf, and if that weren’t enough, most often, God used a believer to supply our needs. In the end, they were blessed too! As God’s servants availed themselves and resources, they became His emissaries or purveyors of love, hope, and joy on the earth. These not only heard the call and perceived the need but responded joyfully. Although it’s not God’s inspired word, here is the accompanying biblical truth as I understand it personally and practically. When we have wisdom to impart, faith to share, and help to offer (in whatever form is needed), we must not hesitate to take any risk that may be involved to become God’s agent or emissaries for service. Abigail didn’t! Instead, she trusted God and followed that God-honoring principle without hesitation.

Indeed, Abigail engaged when it was needed most. Her response required strength and courage, discernment and understanding, perfect provision, and, ultimately, a personal sacrifice, but watch this. The outcome was ideal on many levels. As God ordained, it quieted David’s urge to exact revenge against Abigail’s husband. I stress that if she ignored the opportunity and selfishly turned aside to herself, today we’d be reading a different story about David, Nabal, and his household, Abigail, and the nation of Israel. How so? Her arrival was not a minute too soon! David was preparing to avenge himself against Nabal by slaughtering “the scoundrel” and all of his household. He had just girded himself for battle. (See 1 Samuel 25:13; 21-22.) Since that’s significant, let’s consider Abigail’s plan to fill a need and bring Godly wisdom, faith, and needed aid to David. Remember, too, that Abigail’s discernment and quick actions not only provided timely aid, but her poignant words foiled the enemy’s plan to destroy Israel’s king in waiting. As always, satan was working to end God’s plan to secure David as the best-beloved King of Israel and head of the line through which Jesus – the Messiah - would come. Here’s how she did it:

1. Abigail imparted Godly wisdom: Abigail delivered the exact word at the perfect time. Indeed, her words were straight from God’s heart and protected David’s future. What did she impart? Abigail reminded David who he was, of his call, and of the Davidic covenant which God promised to fulfill. She next reminded David that he was God’s treasure and that only God was his defense and would fight on his behalf. Then, she concluded the most extensive Old Testament treatise of a woman with a plea that David not jeopardize his future for the needless revenge of a “fool,” like Nabal. (See 1 Samuel 24:23-30.) Lastly, Abigail wisely ended her repose by adding a personal request, by saying: “But when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your maidservant [remember Abigail - your faithful servant]” (1 Samuel 25:31b). (Emphasis added.)

2. Abigail shared her faith: Abigail confirmed her faith by sharing what she believed about God’s faithfulness by reiterating David’s call and prompting him to look heavenward, trust God, and stay the course. (See 1 Samuel 25:30-31a.)

3. Abigail brought aid: Abigail brought relief to David. (See 1 Samuel 25:18.) Note that her offering was not merely sufficient, but it was the best that could be offered – bar none! Some of these items were expensive and rare delicacies. The contents of Abigail’s offering was fit for a king and confirmed David’s importance, anointing, and destiny.

What’s the takeaway? Abigail had what was needed and she knew it. But it was more than merely food and wine. Abigail not only possessed discernment, but courage and strength to execute God’s plan by bringing peace to David’s disquieted soul. And too, Abigail knew and believed the scriptures! Within moments of hearing that Nabal had publicly disrespected Israel’s future king, she knew what to do. Abigail made haste to meet David’s needs. She sprung into action by assembling the best provision available, without delay, without regard to her person, and despite the circumstances or potential consequences. If that weren’t enough, she was armed with Godly wisdom and incredible faith in God’s promises. When God wanted to stay David’s hand, he sent His courageous, wise, and beautiful emissary, Abigail.

So the questions to consider are duly noted. Are you God’s emissary and agent for service? If so, what wisdom, testimony, or aid is He asking you to share? Are you willing to do so without regard to the personal cost? Abigail was and did! Rejoice! When God calls, He prepares the way and success follows. And to the glory of His name, great is the reward in heaven and on earth!

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, bolster our faith with the courage and strength of Abigail. Open our eyes to see the needs before us and compel us to respond accordingly. As Your agents for peace, use us to fight the battle, defend the faith and stay the course to “out serve and out love” the hand of evil in these tumultuous times. Amen and amen.

The demoniac - Luke 8:26-40; The leper – Mark 1:40-45; The paralytic – Mark 2:1-12;

The blind – John 9:1-12