The more I search the Bible, the more women of purpose I notice. I wrote last week that we were close to finishing this series and then I will turn it into a book. I will still publish the series, but it will probably take a few weeks longer than I expected to finish. This week, let's examine a remarkable women whose purpose of intercession saved her life, the lives of her servants, and her husband. Her name is Abigail and her story is found in 1 Samuel 25, which I would advise you to read before you proceed.
A NOBLE WOMAN
When Abigail's surly husband Nabal insulted David's men who had come for supplies in return for the security services they had rendered, Abigail heard about it through one of the servants. This tells us that she could be trusted with people's secrets and listened to those around her who were more in touch with what was really going on. Abigail knew she had to act quickly so she assembled some provisions and set off intercept David before he sought revenge against Nabal. While her husband was incapable of leadership, Abigail rose up and led in his place.
When Abigail saw David, she humbled herself, falling prostrate at his feet and begging for mercy in light of her husband's foolish behavior. She showed herself humble, wise, and spiritual, for she framed her remarks in the context of what God had promised to do in David's life:
“Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant" (1 Samuel 25:28-32).
In addition to all her other outstanding traits, Abigail was also a woman of faith. She trusted that the Lord would do for David all He promised He would, and asked that David would remember her on that day. David admitted that Abigail prevented him from carrying out his anger and received her gifts - but that's not all he did.
HER PROMOTION
Because Abigail interceded on behalf of both Nabal and David, God interceded on her behalf as well:
Then in the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him all these things, and his heart failed him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, “David has sent us to you to take you to become his wife.” She bowed down with her face to the ground and said, “I am your servant and am ready to serve you and wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” Abigail quickly got on a donkey and, attended by her five female servants, went with David’s messengers and became his wife (1 Samuel 25:37-42).
I hope this was not the last time that David consulted Abigail for spiritual advice, and I also hope it was not the last time she took it upon herself to intercede according to the insight and wisdom she had. Regardless of those hopes, Abigail distinguished herself as a woman of purpose, who set an example for all women - all believers for that matter - of courageous intercession.
What insight has God given you through others about circumstances around you? Are you taking it upon yourself to lead the way out? Are you talking with those in power to help peacefully resolve the situation? Are you talking to the Lord, making your petitions known to Him? You don't have to have a title to lead, and you should not shrink back from leading because of gender. Be true to who God made you to be, and let God fight your battles as you step out according to the insight you have, just like Abigail did. As you do, I know you will have a blessed week!
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