1 Samuel 25

"She's so rich," the girls gossip. "Have you seen her new silk curtains?" Bea.jpgul Abigail is surrounded by servants, frequently entertaining, wearing the latest woolens. Even with her riches, Abigail isn't proud or conceited. She humbly seeks God and knows His Word. She looks beyond the immediate and is aware of what the Lord God is doing among his people in Israel. She knows her heritage and loves the Lord. She's rich, and she knows God, but Abigail's life isn't as perfect as it seems to her giggling friends.

Abigail's husband has an extensive ranch and owns thousands of sheep and goats, but his unscrupulous business dealings are notorious. Mean, selfish and dishonest, Nabal ruthlessly runs his ranch, caring only for his profits. The marriage is strained. Abigail is respectful, a godly woman in a bad relationship, but Nabal's drunken, demanding harshness is abusive. "Woman! Bring me wine!" It is amazing that Abigail k.jpg her head up. His constant belligerence is demeaning and wearying.

"You are my Strength, O God," Abigail w.jpg in the secrecy of her own private tent. Abigail's quiet times in the presence of the Lord are her only respite.

"Abigail! Hurry! Do something!" The young servant runs into the garden shouting. "David is going to attack us! We will all be dead by nightfall!"

"Why are you so hysterical, young man?" she calmly asks as she cuts another desert rose.

The servant explains how Nabal insulted emissaries of David, the David who (everyone knows) is the anointed future King of Israel, sure to rule after Saul. David's military exploits are legendary, and although crazy King Saul has his extreme loyalists (like Nabal), people eagerly await the day when wise, handsome David will rule.

Her heart pounding and mind racing, Abigail quietly but quickly moves into action. "Gather as many loaves of bread as you can find!" she instructs. "Wrap up the raisins and figs." She sternly whispers, "Hurry!" The servant runs off, and Abigail cries out, "O, God! Help us!"

The Old Testament book of 1 Samuel records this dramatic story of a courageous woman ready to stand in bold confrontation between two powerful leaders.

Abigail obeys God's call to action. She doesn't know how or what will happen as she moves in immediate obedience, but Abigail has heaven-inspired courage. She faces over 400 angry, sword-wielding, vengeful men. Alone. She speaks prophetic wisdom.

Abigail's reaching out in faith against overwhelming odds because she knows the great God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. She understands the anointing upon David and diplomatically diffuses an explosive exchange. What faith! What grace! What a savvy sister!

Secure in God's love and wisdom and connected to her spiritual roots, Abigail rises above personal abuse. She overcomes a debilitating, difficult environment by continually nourishing her faith. She is aware of the big picture: there is life beyond Nabal's kingdom. She has friends. She knows God. She is ready for anything.

We have to agree with the whispering daughters of the desert: Abigail is rich, very rich. Her riches are far beyond herds, silks and status; she is rich in faith. Abigail is an inspiration to both men and women. What a savvy sister!

The Rev. Katherine Sobey is pastor of First Assembly of God in Orangeburg.

The Times and Democrat is seeking submissions from local pastors for its "Friday sermon" column. Pastors of all denominations are welcome to write a column, approximately 500 words in length, based on a past or upcoming sermon, your view on an issue in the news or any other faith-based topic of interest. Submissions should be sent to Wendy Jeffcoat Crider, features editor, The Times and Democrat, P.O. Box 1766, Orangeburg,

SC 29116, or by e-mail at wjeffcoat@timesanddemocrat.com.

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