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Over the next few months we will be looking at some of the lessons that we
can learn from men and women in the bible which can have a positive impact
on the lives that we live today.
Abigail
Abigail was a woman who had good understanding and a beautiful appearance
but she was married to a foolish man. How did she handle this marriage?
The story of Abigail is told in the book of 1 Samuel 25. The bible tells us
that all these things are written for our learning so we do well to know
that they are not just stories. The Bible is our manual for living. What
then are some of the lessons that we can learn from this woman Abigail?
She was approachable -
Only God knows what would have happened had she been like her husband. The
men would not have been able to go to her and the home would have been
destroyed. We need to ask ourselves - are we approachable? Given similar
circumstances, would the men have been able to come to us?
She did not tell Nabal about her discussion with the men as she was waiting
for the right moment. How many times have we - as wives- broached issues
with our husbands without considering the timing or the manner? The Bible
tells us in Ecclesiastes 8:5&6 that a wise man's heart discerns both time
and judgement because for every matter there is a time and judgement.
Abigail was a sensitive woman who knew her husband well. How well do we know
our husbands? Some of us would receive this kind of news and immediately go
into 'nagging, carping or screaming mode'. In her wisdom, she decided to
approach David with gifts in a bid to pacify him. Remember that the Bible
tells us that a man's gift will make room for him.
Abigail was a humble woman. Note that she dismounted her donkey when she saw
David approaching and bowed down to him. It is important to remember that
David, at this time, had not been crowned king. In fact, the way things were
going for David it is likely that those around him were wondering if he
would ever be king at all. However, being a woman of wisdom Abigail
understood the need to be polite and respectful to all people irrespective
of their status in life. We would all do well to realise the importance of
how we relate to other people, especially those who are still on the way up,
or look as if they are going nowhere. Your current status in life is not
necessarily where you will end your life. The servant may be king tomorrow
and vice versa. This was a lesson which Nabal never learnt.
The Proverbial woman in Proverbs 31:26 opens her mouth with wisdom and
Abigail was such a woman. Through her speech, she was able to save her
household from destruction as well as David himself from shedding blood and
losing his destiny out of anger. One of the powers of womanhood is that of
influence and Abigail used hers positively. In what ways do we as women
influence those around us? Abigail combined intelligence with insight to
address a deadly situation. She did not panic neither did she use the
situation to settle scores with her husband. What would you have done in the
same situation?
Over the next few months we will be looking at more great men and women in
the bible, the lessons that we can learn from them and how they can
positively impact our lives today.
Abiola Latunde was employed as a civil servant for 17 years with the
Department of Education and Skills. Last year she resigned to take up full
time ministry with the New Covenant church in Gravesend. She is married with
3 children.
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