The Right Response

Scripture:

Abigail flew into action. She took 200 loaves of bread, 2 skins of wine, 5 sheep dressed out and ready for cooking, a bushel of roasted grain, a hundred raisin cakes, and 200 fig cakes, and she had it all loaded on donkeys.  1 Samuel 25:18

 

Observation:

Abigail knew what it meant to live in a constant state of preparation. She had been wise to store up in her pantry a considerable amount of food, so at just the right moment when a gift was required- she was ready!

Not only was Abigail prepared but she understood timing.  It says Abigail acted quickly- which means she didn’t stand there weighing it up, or running through different scenarios in her head- Abigail responded with out delay.  Because she understood timing and the significance of this man- David –she flew into action, aborting tragedy on her household.

It’s interesting to note that in both verse 18 and in 42 Abigail doesn’t linger in the moment but her response thought-filled and quick.

 

Application:

Abigail speaks to me.  She reminds me that I need to live prepared. Prepared for every and any occasion. I take this more ‘spiritually speaking’ (knowing the God knows I am not Martha Stewart!). I need to live spiritually prepared for what my God is calling me into. For the occasions when I don’t have a moment to ponder a response but when prompt action is required.  Knowing I have ‘spiritual stores’ makes this possible. I imagine for a second if Abigail didn’t live prepared, panic would have been present. I don’t want to panic when I don’t have what I need when I need it.  My spiritual pantry needs to be stocked full so I can act quickly when God requires.

 

Prayer:

Father, I can identify today that the stores I need to stock my pantry only come from Your Presence and Your Word. Help me have an Abigail spirit- prepared and wise in my timing.  Amen.  

 

Hayley