11/20/2014 Natural Conflicts: Abigail and DavidScriptures: 1 Samuel 25:23-33
Abigail did not choose this conflict with David: she was pulled into it. This conflict started with two men: Nabal and David. Nabal was known for his rude behavior and David was easily angered, and Abigail ends up right in the middle of this natural conflict. Abigail tries to head off the conflict with David: she demonstrates great courage. Abigail recognizes that her husband's behavior is wrong, and decides to do something about it. She never excuses or condones her husband's actions. Abigail reveals her faith in God by showing a spirit of humility. In these verses, we read that she called David "lord" fourteen times. Abigail allowed prophetic utterance to flow out of the humility of her heart: David was a future king! We must remember that faith is more than words: it is viewable actions. Abigail took action! Before she could speak to David, she road out and got in his way. It's take courage and humility to be a peacemaker. David makes a powerful statement to Abigail saying: "blessed is they advice." David valued Abigail's words. Her courage and words kept David from making a terrible mistake. She kept David from having a cloud over his head as he became King of Israel. God had a great plan for David's life, but a moment of personal satisfaction could have destroyed his destiny. When you demonstrate faith, humility and courage there is no need for a great show of strength! Wisdom is rewarded with relief from above. The world wants us to seek revenge, but revenge is not as sweet as the world shows it to be. Instead of revenge, in the face of conflict take a step back! Ask yourself: is a moment of satisfaction worth destroying a relationship? Is evening the score worth ruining your witness? Is conflict more important than the plan God has for your life? So how does the story of Nabal, Abigail and David end? The Lord smote Nabal and he died. Because David saw Abigail's wisdom, faith, courage, humility and grace: he asked her to be his wife! Abigail went from being married to a fool to being married to the king. Comments are closed.
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