R-E-S-P-E-C-T

David and his followers were in need of food, in 1 Samuel 25.  He sent some of his men to beg for food from a wealthy man, named Nabal.  Nabal said he did not know David and didn't have enough to share.  David planned to seek revenge, and attack Nabal and all of his servants.  Nabal’s wife, Abigail, interceded by giving David all the food he needed for his people.  She also begged David for forgiveness and mercy, which David granted.  Ten days later, Nabal died.

Have you ever felt like you were being overlooked?  Have you ever felt like nobody was giving you the respect and recognition that you deserve?  How did that make you feel?  It made David very upset!  Here he was, the next king of Israel, the mighty warrior, and he didn’t have enough food for his people so he had to resort to begging!  And he was rejected!

How would that make you feel if you were David?  Would you want to get revenge?  Would you want to make yourself known?  That’s what David wanted to do.  But Abigail talked some sense into him:  “Who cares about this person who isn’t respecting you?  It’s obvious that you are doing God’s work.  I’ll take care of you!”  We all need Abigails in our lives to remind us of who we are and to keep us focused on our main tasks.  Who is your Abigail?

Thank you, Lord, for the people in my life who remind me daily of my goals and tasks… those who remind me of who I am according to your purpose and will for my life!  Amen.