Speak up like Abigail!

1Samuel 25

Have you ever felt like you had to cover up for your abuser? Maybe not as much to protect them as to protect yourself or the other members of your house from the repercussions of their actions??

Then you are not alone, almost every victim of abuse we meet has done so to some degree. It is in a way part of what can keep you trapped in the abusers net but the story of Abigail shows us that this also can be a way into freedom.

The story of Nabal and Abigail though short reveals that this is something God finds important.

In verse 3 we find Nabal described as an evil and harsh man, whilst Abigail is described as both intelligent and beautiful.

When facing the wrath of David and 400 of his men coming to retaliate on Nabals transgression, we see Abigail acting quickly and determined to limit the damage of Nabals actions, not only saving his life(initially) but also saving her household from the terror of an attack from Davids men. But Abigail doesn´t try to cover up or hide Nabals wrongs in fact she calls him out to David as worthless and foolish Verse 25.

Through Abigail´s interceding David not only recognises her wisdom, but he sees her intervention as an act of God stopping him from committing a great evil by repaying a wrong with a wrong Verses23-35

Just as David had no doubt that Abigail was send by God to stop him from doing wrong, we can be sure that God interceded through Abigail to protect her and the innocent of Nabals household Psalm11:5 The Lord tests the righteous but His soul hates the wicked and the ones who loves violence. Though it seems unfair and a little scary to have to go against your oppressor, you can be certain that God cares. He will be with you just as He was with Abigail.

One big lesson we can take from the story of Abigail is, even if wives are called to submit, they are not called to be silent bystanders to their husbands evil.

Or you can say submission ends when evil enters!

Fill us with the courage and wisdom of Abigail, to intercede and expose those whoholds us in a grip of evil, let us trust in you Lord.

That even whenwe feel overwhelmed and tested we know that you lead us.