Many find the story of Abigail in the Old Testament to be one of determination, bravery and brilliance. If you are not familiar with her story let me summarize it for you in modern vernacular.

After the death of the prophet Samuel, David and his men had moved into the wilderness and were aware of a very, very wealthy man named Nabal. Now David  needed provisions and asked Nabal to help him out. It isvery  interesting to note here that Nabal’s name actually means “Fool”, it signifies one who is “foolish, vile, or wicked”.

Abigail is presented as a courageous, wise and dignified woman of faith. Maybe she often wondered why she was paired with one as ruthless as Nabal. But she was being prepared for a time such as this one that was about to take place…

Nabal makes fun of David and refuses to give them any provisions.  “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?” 1 Samuel 25:10.

David is furious when he hears of this and tells his men to prepare to retaliate. Take note that David has several hundred men with him, he can wipe out Nabal’s entire estate including his family, servants and livestock in a matter of minutes.

One of David’s servants hurries off to tell Nabal’s wife, Abigail, of the impending doom that is about to come upon her home. Abigail quickly goes into action. She has her servants prepare enough food and drink to travel to where David and his men are camped, all without telling Nabal.

So  Abigail takes the food herself and as soon as she sees David she gets down from her donkey and she says, “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you…Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him. And as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my lord sent… 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.” 1 Samuel 25:24-28. NIV.

Abigail was taking a huge risk by going behind her husband’s back! And she was very possibly risking her life by approaching David and his men who were coming to attack her land and her husband! But she humbled herself before David and it paid off.

David listened to the prophetic voice of a wise woman and her life was spared and her entire household. But Nabal? When Abigail returned home Nabal was drunk so she waited until morning to tell him what had happened. When he realized that he almost cost the lives of himself and his entire household the Bible says, “…his heart failed him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died.” 1 Samuel 25:37,38.

He was literally scared to death.

Abigail said the Lord was building David a “Sure House” but Abigail didn’t realize she was including herself in that future with David! “Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife.” 1 Samuel 25:39.

A Sure House. The Lord is building us a Sure House. Why? Because it’s in His Word. We are His Bride, His Chosen, the Redeemed.

We are “fighting the Lord’s battle” here on this earth until He comes. Sowing seed, planting, watering, weeding and helping others to grow into the full knowledge of our Lord and Savior so they then can spread the Good News.

Are we taking risks? Are there still Abigail’s in this world that would lay down their lives for the Kingdom’s sake? Is the Church worth it?

A resounding “YES!” “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 NIV.

We may have to endure hardship, suffer persecution in the future, bend a little, give a lot, but the end result is a sure thing…we become the Bride…just like Abigail…living in a Sure House.

Don’t miss it.