God’s Not Done With You: Encouragement From the Bible's Greatest Comeback StoriesSample

Day 3: Abigail

You need to know Abigail’s story because it will help you navigate the most challenging relationships in your life.

Here's the short version. The future king, David, is roaming the countryside with his band of soldiers. They happen upon the grazing land of Nabal, Abigail’s husband, who, by all accounts, is foolish, selfish, and arrogant. When David sees an opportunity to rest and feed his men and Nabal pushes back, refusing to help them and even disrespecting David, the conflict is on. Neither will back down. As David and his men rush toward Nabal’s house breathing fire and threats, Abigail is told of what’s about to happen and realizes that she alone can prevent the bloodshed.

I love this story because Abigail’s character comes through so clearly. She takes responsibility. Someone has to! Nabal and David have lost their minds and are not thinking about the destruction ahead, but Abigail sees it. Sometimes, it rests on us to act in such a way that we can defuse the situation. I know—it’s not fair that she’s placed in this position, but there are times when we don’t have the luxury of debating fairness. Abigail must intervene. That takes faith.

She also shows respect. Neither man is respecting the other, but Abigail senses that this is important. It’s easy to see how she gives respect to David in their interaction, and it’s the starting place for him to lower his anger. Since Nabal will not respect David, Abigail does.

She also exercises restraint when no one else will. Someone has to be calm in an explosive moment, and that restraint allows her to consider what’s at risk.

She also brings God into the conversation. Listen carefully to how she counsels David on his way to destroy Nabal’s house. “As the LORD lives… the LORD has restrained you… for the LORD will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the LORD, and evil will not be found in you” (v 26-28). Get this: Abigail keeps the future king from sabotaging his future with her restraint and her appeal. She’s looking out for him. She’s making sure that he thinks about God. You can never go wrong doing that.

When Nabal finds out about her intervention on his behalf, he collapses and within days is dead. God has worked through Abigail and has deterred catastrophe. He uses her words to remind David about himself and his future plans for David’s household. Abigail has protected her household from death and finally has a season of peace and silence.

Her huge questions about her future are answered when David later sends for her to be his queen. The details of this romance—this marriage—are not in the text, but the significance of what has taken place is so encouraging. God can redeem ANY situation in your life. Even when the players around you are toxic and angry, God is at work. May he surprise you in how he completes your story!