Friday, February 24, 2012

Living Well (despite Nabal)

Welcome if you are stopping by after reading my devotion about Abigail. Let me tell you how I first "met" her.

When I first came to Christ, I found a small mom & pop owned Christian bookstore around the corner from my apartment. It had been there all along, but I'd never known quite what it was. Its name, Fishers of Men, sounded like a seafood market to me. Which was odd, I thought, for a city in the mountains.

And I didn't eat seafood then, unless hush puppies count.



Once I understood the name's reference, I spent a lot of time and money in that shop, reading nearly every book they had. At one point the owners invited me to just sit on the floor and read - I think they were afraid I'd spend my entire college-girl budget there and not have any food to eat!

One of the books (I bought this one) was called All the Women of the Bible. It was a reference book of sorts, listing out each biblical woman, telling the meaning of her name and the highlights of her life. It was in these pages I first met Abigal - I was taken by her story.

My new-to-Christ, state college attending, liberal arts learning, steeped in plenty of feminist thought self couldn't believe how she acted. It wan't that I was amazed that he was so kind, but that she was ABLE to be that nice to that man in those circumstances.

I was pretty sure I couldn't have acted like Abigail had I wanted to. And, for the record, I didn't want to. I wanted her to clobber her no-good husband Nabal!


And yet I was impressed that she didn't. How could she not?


My tendency back then - and sometimes even now - is to withhold love, help, forgiveness or grace unless or until the other person deserves it in my eyes.

And that's a choice that I make. Abigail's life teaches me that I can be the sort of woman - wife, mother, daughter, friend - that God calls me to be, despite how others around me behave.

I can be who I want to be - who I am in Christ - even if that lets them off the hook in some way.


Let's look at it this way...

Did Nabal benefit from Abby's goodness without being deserving of those benefits? Yes. But isn't God often good to us without our deserving it? And isn't God deserving of our obedience to be kind and to love our neighbors and enemies, even if those neighbors and enemies are jerks? (Yes.)

And here's another one to consider, don't we deserve to be women of virtue despite how others choose to see us or treat us?

The answer again is YES.

We deserve to lead God-honoring, bless-worthy lives regardless of our circumstances, income level, marriage status, crazy partner, physical flaws, lack of stable upbringing, wayward family members, or anything else. We can make Abigail's same choice to rise above our circumstances and live well.

Because choosing humility and wisdom allows God to shape our character and our circumstances.
___________________

If you'd like to enter to win a signed copy of my book It's No Secret leave a comment this weekend. I'll draw and announce a winner on Monday.

67 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding me of Abigail's story. It has been a tough week, and I've been frustrated with my own response. This is a wonderful, concrete example of where I can turn in the Bible for help.

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  2. Abigail was such a wise and patient woman. I need to be reminded of her example often! Thank you for sharing this!

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  3. I cried when I read your devotion. The part that stated, I hope you are not married to a man like this......I am......It has been killing me inside. I have become depressed, gained weight, become withdrawn, refused to give him love, etc. He has treated my family terribly, said mean spiteful words. I hate the person I have become and am becoming. I pray to be like Abigail. I know how hard it must have been. You want to give it back. You want him to hurt as much as he has hurt you. I left mymrriage for about 4 months. He made some changes and promises but we are back to where we were. I pray for God's grace and strength to be the person wants me to be. I want to be like her so much..... a woman of virtue. Today and I will start to choose humility and wisdom so that God can work to shape my character into what He has planed for me.

    Thank you and please pray for me Denise H @ ccrrm08@yahoo.com

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    1. I totally understand the desire to give it back - to want them to feel the same kind of pain you feel at their hands. I have prayed for you this morning, and will again.

      Lean into JESUS. He is the source of your strength. And as much as possible, fill your mind with whatever is good, noble, true, praiseworthy and uplifting. Hugs to you.

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    2. What an encouragement. Just what I needed to hear...thank you and God bless you

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  4. Rachel, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this devotion. I also pray that you are not married to a man like this. So much of this spoke to my heart due to my marriage problems over the past 18 months. My husband is a Christian, or at least he used to be, but is, in my opinion, very lost and hurting right now. And apparently he is unhappy in the marriage, although he doesn't really want to work on the issues. After a year of counseling, we stopped because the counselor said she wasn't sure if we were doing marriage counseling or divorce counseling -- and this was the 3rd counselor we've seen. I think he is looking for something to fill the void in his life and he thinks a different woman would be "it". However, he recently decided not to leave me and my 2 daughters (ages 21 and 16) due to lack of financial resources and not wanting to negatively impact the girls. So I am loving him and praying for him...even though he went to a movie last weekend with his massage therapist while I was out of town. Things like this are difficult to deal with and I pray daily for wisdom and grace. Evalyn.elliott@yahoo.com

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    1. I pray for God to give you wisdom and to guide you both.

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  5. What a wonderful reminder of how God honors those that live by His laws and commands. With His help, love, guidance, and our prayers we are able to live like Abagail when we choose to.

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  6. Rachel:
    This is my first time reading your devotionals, I prayed on my way into work for the Lord to lead me in a direction to help ease some of the hurt and pain that I am living with right now. I read this story and I felt that I was reading my own life story, because much like Abigail I continue to make excuses, to bring peace within the family and look a the positives that he has brought to my life. But those positives after Monday night are making me waiver from what I stand for when it comes to verbal, physical and mental abuse in a relationship. I am at my cross road right now because I am working and wanting to be a Godly woman just as Abigail and stand firm in our marriage and continue to pray for him but I am getting worn down. I too have my faults and have humbly asked for forgiveness privately and publicly hoping and praying the past will be the past and look toward the future but that is not the case. I still live with a situation that happened over 8 years ago. Deeper than this, my children have had to live with it as well. We have one daughter left at home and she is 16, my husband is all she knows as Dad and when he gets into his mood drinking or not he turns into a nightmare for the both of us. He speaks to her about being ungrateful to the point she starts to shut down and I try to get him to focus on me and to take this out on me and not her. I look at the person my son has turned into with his relationship, he has taken on all of the bad characteristics that my husband displays and speaks to his girlfriend very nasty along with me. So I ask my self, what type of example have set when it comes to a marriage? Is this what I want for my children even though they are older? Why will he not change and learn to be the Christian, husband and father he is truly meant to be and start changing? My heart is torn but this story spoke to me directly and I am very blessed that I found this site and read this story. I will continue to pray for him and I will continue to pray that the path I am on is only being directed by the Lord. Thank you Kris @ kjonzen@gmail.com

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    1. This is really hard. And as you have seen, it impacts future generations. I join you in praying for God to guide you! You mention verbal, physical, and mental abuse as well as alcohol playing a part - I would advise you to seek counsel on your situation from a local pastor. Many churches have trained counelors on staff that you could talk to. Make an appointment to sit down with one.

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  7. Rachel, Thank you for this devotion! I am totally in awe that God would lead me to read this today, truly He led you to write this & me to read it. I have been (& still do) struggling to forgive my husband for lies he told & things he has done that have caused lots of hurt & pain in our family. I was thinking about forgiveness the past few days & that I needed to act in a godly manner no matter what he does or doesn't do. Your devotion inspired me to continue to try & forgive & act according to God's word. Of course, only with God's strength can I do so & I would covet your prayers & those who might read this comment. The road of pain is not yet finished but I must remember that through Christ I can do all things & that even means acting as Abigail did despite my circumstances.
    ~Blessings~ lmorr613@hotmail.com

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    1. I'm grateful to be used by God to speak to you in your situation. I will absolutely pray for you and your family. You have access to all that you need to tap into in Christ!

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  8. Thank you for posting about Abigail. I am in her situation. My marriage is uncertain. I feel lonely and afraid for mu future. Nothing I say brings any kind tone of voice from my spouse. I feel beaten down not wanting to be in this life anymore. After almost 30 years what do you do? I pray I can be like Abigail. I almost or I do feel like there must be "someone" else that is more appealing to my spouse..otherwise why is this happening? Nothing has meaning or purpose to me and I just feel like giving up. I never imagined feeling so lonely in a hone where two people who have been married for almost 30 years elves together. We just exist in the same house and nothing more. I need God's mighty hand to intervene quickly. Amen.

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    1. I will pray for you that the good Lord will give you strength and wisdom to do what is his will for you. Keep the faith!

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    2. Sweet one, I urge you to find a pastor or counselor at a nearby church to talk to. When we've been in an emotionally hurtful relationship for a long time it has a way of warping and erroding our perspective. You need someone from outside - someone safe and wise - to speak truth and light into you right now.

      I have prayed for you. Please call or stop by a Bible-believing church today and ask for an appointment to talk with someone. God will work through them to comfort and help you. {{hugs}}

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  9. Thank you so much, Rachel, for reminding me how I should live as a Godly woman. We serve am amazing God who is there to meet each of us wherever we are. Pat @ ladycash@bellsouth.net

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  10. Thank you for this devotion on Abigail. I don't always respond to situations as I should, and this was a wonderful reminder for me! Be blessed!

    Sarah at sjwallace7@yahoo.com

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  11. Today is my second day of reading your devotionals & blog! I have been truely touched by both and look forward to tomorrow's devotional.Thank you for sharing your talents the Lord gave you!

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  12. Rachel,
    This morning as I awoke and lay in my bed not wanting to leave the warm surrounds my mind started to wander. Before I get up in the morning I usually ask the Spirit to come and direct my day and fill me. But this morning was different, my thoughts were a jumble of bad memories from my childhood, concern about a wayward family member and my current family situation which has not been easy for several years. "If on-lies" came to mind. I guess you could say I was having a full blown pity party. I got up grabbed my coffee and sat with laptop in hand and read your entry. Abagail's example and your encouragement was just what I needed this morning to jolt me back from what could be a the beginning of a very negative day. God's Word comes to us with such rich instruction, and encouragement. I think sometimes we get so caught up in our circumstances and our thoughts that we forget that our Savior is ever present. He used the example of Abagail this morning to help me to fall back into his loving arms of grace. Thank you for sharing. I pray for your next project. caroline.craib@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks so much for telling me this, Caroline. :)

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  13. This is my first time reading your blog. Your entry and devotional are so inspiring and convicting. Some how I had never read of Abigail and I thank you for sharing her wisdom and character with us. What an example God has given us to model!

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    1. Welcome! Glad you found me. And thank you for the kind compliment. God is good indeed!

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  14. I think it is always interesting how God works on an issue He has with me. He puts it everywhere for me to see so I can know that I need to address it, hammers it home as I can be thick-headed at times. Abigail inspires me to change my reactions from flesh to grace. sayle_lewis@charter.net

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    1. Great summary, sayle. "Lord, change my reaction from flesh to grace!"

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  15. I lived with a man like that for 23 years. I wish I could say I was wise like Abigail but I wasn't. I didn't handle it well at all. The lessons I learned though brought me so much closer to God.

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  16. I love this story of how a Godly women is suppose to conduct herself. I know that I fail daily as a Godly woman but my prayer is to be more like Abigail. Thanks you for sharing such a wonderful lesson.

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  17. Rachel,
    This is the first time I've read your blog and this entry speaks to me like nothing has in a long time! I am so thankful for your wisdom and that God's timing for me was such that I would read this today. I am blessed NOT to be married to a man like Nabal, but I struggle to be a woman like Abigail with the world around me. I've put your last paragraph on my planner as my quote for the next week (MONTH?) I will be checking back regularly - thank you! (tknole92@ymail.com)

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    1. Tonya, great to meet you! I'm so grateful you found your way here today - welcome. And even more grateful that God used my words to speak to your heart. Thanks for telling me.

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  18. I am living with a man like that right now. I wish I could be like Abigail, and choose to do what is right. The hurt is so hard, but I am going to continue to seek God through this. Thank you for sharing a wonderful devotion, and looking forward to many more.

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  19. Thank you for this, Rachel. Funny thing is my name is Abigail, yet I have never really taken the time to learn much about her! My Mom loved the Abigail in the bible and that was part of why she chose my name. I am not married to a Nable but I do tend to worry about others' attitudes/opinions about me (including my husband and closest friends) and let it affect me far too much, rather than focusing on God and his feelings about me and plan for me! If anyone in my life doesn't seem 100% happy with me, I can become consumed by it. Abigail's strength and ability to carry on with a positive attitude regardless of Nabel's behavior toward her is an amazing example for me.

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  20. Hi Rachel
    This is my first time visiting your blog and I did so because of the devotional from Proverbs 31 ministries. Thanks a ton for it. I definitely relate to you from when you were a new Christian and your thoughts about how Nabal should have been treated. Abigail was such a godly woman; one whom I feel so far from being able to imitate. However, God is great and he has been working so immensely in my heart concerning being a woman since I've been married and had children. And I'm so thankful that I have a really good husband, nothing like Nabal. I want to get a copy of that book you spoke of, "All the women of the Bible". I'm sure it's a treasure. Congratulations to you and all the Proverbs 31 crew. You guys have really been a blessing to me from women to women. God bless and may he richly bless you as you complete your newest book. --Staci Dunn Silva (danielstaci@gmail.com).

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  21. I have mixed feelings about this subject. I often wonder what is the point of taking someone else's abuse for years on end. What glory does it really bring to God that someone can tolerate endless abuse? Often times the only person that changes is the one being mistreated, she ends up a shell of the woman she used to be. I have trouble recommending that a woman ask God to be more tolerant of being mistreated. I think it is wrong to ask a woman to hang on in a bad situation. How long is enough? Our body is God's temple, if someone was destroying God's house should we not put a stop to it? Jesus did not stand by and let the money changers destroy the temple. It is just something to think about.

    dot

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    1. If the "abused woman" stood up for herself...she was free of the "abuser" that may be good for her, but, what about her family and her reputation? What if it's just as bad in another form? Like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The chain reaction could be just as costly. You cannot always cut all the strings. I'm just wondering.

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  22. Thank you for your encouragement and reminder that I can rise above life's difficulties no matter what they are. What a wonderful story about Abigail and how she used the trials of life for God's greater good. This spoke to my heart and reminded me of the kind of woman I want to be....one that honors the Lord. Thank you.

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  23. Rachel,

    I cannot begin to tell you how much your devotional on Abigail meant to me today. She has always been one of my favorites, also. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us and for being such an encourager. I would love to have you visit my devotional blog, if you ever have a desire to! :) www.cherylsmithministries.blogspot.com. Have a great day in Him!

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  24. Wow, this really hit home. My husband used to be this way. I put up a wall but I also became depressed and felt like my my spirit was gone. The problem is that although he has changed I still feel depressed and the smallest issue brings me back to feeling my spirit is gone. Abigail message was wonderful. It helped me see this really is my choice and God will guide me. Though I feel me love for him is gone bc I was protecting myself, maybe it's not and I can choose to live differently, better, happier.

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  25. Being nice despite someones behavior towards me is often very difficult. I will try to remember this post when these things happen and hopefully I can keep my head held high! Krystal D

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  26. Rachel;
    Like many of the previous commenters, I arrive at your blog this morning from Proverbs31.org. Your devotion on Abigail couldn't have been more timely for me. Having strong Christian role models such as Abigail is such a blessing to women and girls today, and I am so grateful to have found this blog and the Proverbs 31 site as resources.
    God Bless you and yours and I look forward to reading more of your work.
    Sarita

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  27. I think sometimes our hope is misplaced. We put it in our husbands, marriages, money, children... My husband spent the first 7 years of my marriage surfing on Sunday's while I walked the children to church by myself. I spent many lonely days dreaming of the day he would accompany me. I also must admit, that I spent many lonely days dreaming about a man who would love my Lord and save me from the man I was married to. It's hard to admit, but it's true. And when we pray for God to guide our husbands, we must believe that He will. My husband has been coming to church for 8 years with me now. He prays every morning watching his faith grow is like watching a flower bloom! He's always asking about things that I have long forgotten about, since I've been following Jesus for over 30 years now. I'm going to pray for each and every one of you ladies and these marriages. But I must say, honestly, the change cannot take place until our hopes are removed from "the perfect marriage" and placed in "the perfect Father" :) XOXO

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    1. Thanks for sharing your story, Sabrina. And for praying for your sisters in Christ here.

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  28. I also arrived here via Proverbs31, as I was blessed by the encouraging life of Abigail through your reflections. "I can be who I choose to be" through God's love is powerful, no matter what my circumstances might be.

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  29. Rachel,

    I am a college student often feeling pressed for time to fit in all the things I need and desire to fit in, such as daily time with God. Sometimes when I have free time at my job I like to read devotionals by Proberbs31.com, which directed me to your blog today. Even though I am not a wife or a mother yet, I often gain a lot of value and knowledge from these blogs and now I have been blessed by yours. I thank you for your wisdom and your heart for women. I haven't previously heard the story of Abigail, but I am encouraged by it because I fear getting married to the "wrong" person - to a Nabal. I know that I do not need to live in fear of this if I am in prayer and trust the Lord, and Abigail is evidence that we can overcome our circumstances. I would like to set aside some money to purchase your book so that I may be further blessed by what the Lord has placed on your heart. Thank you for using your talents to encourage others!

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    1. Hi Joanna. Welcome, it's great to meet you.

      One of the best things I did when I was about your age was read through the book of Proverbs over and over. I made note of what it said about the foolish person vs. the wise person. That helped me avoid finding myself in a relationship (close friendship or romantic)that I later regretted.

      I've paused and prayed for you today. For your stuides, your future careeer and your future spouse.

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  30. Hi Rachel! I too arrived at your blog this morning from Proverbs31.org. Your message today about Abigail couldn't have been more perfect for me right now. It is so refreshing to be reminded of the fact that no matter what circumstances we face as women, we always have great women in the Bible that shows us that we can survive and become better godly women for it! It is so easy to forget this. I believe having strong female Christian role models to mirror ourselves after is so so important. People need the Lord and I believe women need support and encouragement in life. As women, we must strive to be the best we can for the Lord and our families regardless of what our journey entails. Thank you for your ministry and for sharing on your blog! God Bless you!

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  31. Oh how I have been searching for answers...this portion with Abigail really hit point on for me today. I thank you soooo much. I am so married to a "Nabal". Ooouch! I am dazed and confused. I don't know where to turn but this new picture of Abigail grabbed me and held on. I do not have anyone I can talk to about this...except the Lord who is great. I will study this scripture more and then try to walk in her shoes...(sandals)? Seriously, I can do this, I just wish I could have seen this with my own eyes earlier. I am feeling very anxious and didn't know what to do. Thanks

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  32. I Love this, I to have been married to the same man for 45 years, he was so self centered in the beginning of our marriage and I didn't even realize at the time what "self centered" meant but it didn't take me long to figure it out :-) He made a big change when I developed breast cancer but Praise my God I'm a 11 yr. survivor. I went to church as a child but it was hit and miss, once I had my blessed daughter her and I always went to church and I really grew in my faith. Jesus is my Best friend! He put me in a business so that I can shine my faith to others which is exactly what He had planned for me. My husband has grown in faith but still does not attend church on a regular basis,but he now prays and watches "church" on TV I'm very thankful how far he has come, since my breast cancer he has made a complete change he is not self centered at all anymore and does so much for me, at least now I do have a "good" man- Praise God! My precious daughter is grown and blessed us with three beautiful grand babies. Her husband, her and the kids attend church every sunday and are very involved. We just continue praying for my husband, God will get him yet :-) I have to laugh because I know "HE" get such enjoyment just seeing my comment, He walks with us every minute of the day which is what best friends do. I love Abigail - her strengths and love for people - I have the strengths and the faith course not like Abigail but maybe one day:-) I realize nothing here on earth is ever going to be "perfect" but wow just think of heaven!!! With the power of God we can do anything we just have to remember that and believe that if you do this everyday can be a walk that will make you a stronger person. Didn't mean to get so carried away. LOVE receiving your devotions, in fact I believe it was my daughter that introduced me to this. Thank you so much for your encouragement and love. Have a Blessed Day!

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    1. Hi Donna. I am sorry to hear about your brush with cancer but thrilled to see what unexpected outcome it brought. Blessings to you and yours.

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  33. Thank-you so much Rachel! What a blessing this devotion is to me as I do some self analysis ..... Christ gently convicts me to be careful in not only all my actions, but primarily in my thinking. We need to be humble and have humility in our thinking before we could hope to be humble in our expression and responses to others.

    Blessings & love,
    Helen

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  34. Rachel, go to "meet" you. Just popped over from the P31 email sent out. I just keep hearing about Abigail in all the women's studies I have heard and read lately! Think maybe God is telling me something!? :) We all benefit from the story of offering grace and love to our husbands, even when they don't deserve it, especially when they don't...This is the same grace that God offers us--the grace we don't deserve. Thank you for bringing Abigail's example to us all again!
    Sincerely,
    Leesa

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  35. Thank you so much for shining a light on Abigail. Reading your blog today was very tranforming to a situation I am encountering now and one I didnt deal so graciosuly with in the past. Thank you so much for transforming my thinking. I plan to do a little more research on Abigail and keep myself reminded of her responses and of God's graciousness to me. Marcie

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  36. Wonderful devotion, Rachel! Thanks so much for enlightening us to such an inspiring and often overlooked woman in the Bible.
    Smiles,
    Natalie :o)

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  37. God's timing is impeccable. I have been regular reader of the Proverbs 31 daily devotions in the past, but haven't read any for a few months.
    I will have to study Abigail's story more. Last night I woke up at 2am (Saturday morning Aussie time) and discovered my husband was still not home. Having not heard from him I called his phone and he came home soon after.
    At home it took awhile to discover he had been hanging out with his non-Christian friends and gambling. That had not been his original plan for the evening...
    As much as I love him, our marriage is not like I imagined it could be for two Christians. I'm glad there are role models like Abigail to follow in situations like this. Thanks for pointing us to her- and to our Lord!

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    1. Also do you remember the author of the book "All the Women of the Bible" thanks Rachel!

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  38. Rachel,

    I have been following your posts for a couple weeks now and God is definitely using you. I can't wait until the new project is completed. Have a blessed day!

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  39. WOW, thta devotion was so on time. I have been married seven years now and it has been a journey, and if I were to be honest not a very pleasant one. My husband not a bad person, but he was just not raised with love, compassion, drive, or motivation. On our honeymoon he told me that he has trouble reading, that was really hard for me because we dated for a little over a year and I felt like he was purposefully deceitfull. One might ask how did we date for that length of time and me not know or at least notice, well..... looking back on it when it came to reading something he often acted as if he ould not see and he told me htat he needed glasses. Then last year I find out, well we found out that he has ADHD, which explained the irratic behavior but like most with ADHD he does notlike to take the medication. He is very irresponsible, and immature. He does not like to deal with any issues, so he jokes all the time. This has really taking a toll on me I do not know if I should say me or it has really taken a toll on the marriage. We have a son, who is 5 and I had a daughter when we married, she is 13, I really do not want to divorce, but sometimes I must admit that I ask God why, and how did I end up here. Now he is faithful, and is a muscian at our church, really nota bad guy but just wont do anything to bring about any change from the inside. So hearing about Abigil was enlightening for me and a word from God. Thank You so much

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  40. Rachel, thank you for your devotion on Abigail that has resonated in so many hearts. Abigail is one of my favorite women in the Bible.....wanting to be like her in 'life's challenging journey.' Thank you again, Rachel. lois

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  41. I am new to your blog, but it was no accident that I found you when I did. This post has sparked my commitment, as I was NOT in a good place prior to reading it. The Lord is so merciful, and I'm thankful He used you to speak powerfully in my life. I'm looking forward to reading more from you! Thanks, Rachel..& may God richly bless you.

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  42. I woke up this morning in the midst of a heartbreaking separation from my husband who has chosen to be involved with another woman and presently has my two little people away for the weekend with his girlfriend and his family ~ who all once loved me. We committed our lives for 10 years to pastoring and this turn was a blow and a total shock to me. Devastating.

    I googled Crosswalk this morning and came upon you. I read your post quickly and immediately clicked over to your blog. See...I have chosen this path. I have chosen to let God lead, I have chosen to let Him shape me and to let Him grow me through this. I am choosing to keep my eyes steadfast on Him and letting Him tend to my severely damaged heart instead of letting my pain and hurt and brokenness change who He is shaping me to be.
    Guess what? It's really really tough.
    I needed your words this morning because I am broken, and I am so sad and I needed to hear that the path of grace is still - and always will be - the right one. Finding you this morning was a God~thing and I am thankful for that.

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    1. Tanya,
      I hope you do not mind my intruding, but I just read your story this morning and my heart is going out to you. Wherever you are, whoever you are, I love you!!

      The only person who comes to mind for me in your situation is Job. We must remember, that God has not given these children or husbands, to us. But instead, he has placed them in our view. And your view is changing. And your vision is clear. And what is not given cannot be taken.

      Our strength is not found in people or situations or even beliefs. Our strength is in our faith. And your development has just begun. You have an entire weekend to spend soaring in the arms of you Father. And please know, that your sister in Christ is loving you and praying for you, wherever you are <3

      Take care and God Bless :)
      Sabrina

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    2. You are completely right, Tanya - it is really hard. Most of the time. But resistance builds strength - and faith.

      Big crises are big opportunites to trust God boldly in faith. Faith is what pleases Him. So big crises are big opportunites to please God.

      You are also right: the path of grace is still - and always will be - the right one. Not always the easiest one, but the right one. And ultimately, the most rewarding.

      The good news is you are following the one called "The God of All Comfort." Call on Him to comfort and strengthen you. I've asked Him to do that for you today. {{hugs}}

      So glad you found this place on this day. Good is indeed good.

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  43. I have just come to your link from the Proverbs 21 devotion. Thought it was awesome and understand about sitting in the floor and reading. I have soooooooo many books. God has so worked through music and books with me. Would love to win yours. May God choose the winner.
    Many blessings,
    Pam

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  44. You've convinced me- I will be purchasing a copy of this book, how could such a remarkable woman have gotten lost in the pages? Thanks for sharing!

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  45. God held me and gently fed my wilty soul while I spent almost 20 years with my "Nabal." He released me one year ago, though not with the death of my husband. He whispered, "Enough, daughter," and I stood on the edge of a high cliff and stepped off- - into the waiting arms of my Abba, God. He kept me right in His arms the whole time, despite the horrors of life with a man who delighted in devising evil and pressuring me to sin along with him.
    Thank God that He sees the heart and forgives and SAVES, utterly!!!

    Jennifer

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  46. I too wish I was more like Abigail. My sister-in-law is a perfect example of Abigail and I admire her greatly. Full of grace and soft words even with a difficult health situation and a mother that demands much. Thank you for reminding us about Abigail.

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  47. Abigail is a great role model. While reading, I found the general character of Nabal repulsive, sadly, I could almost identify with him on a personal level. Then I looked at the attributes of Abigail. Her character was the opposite of his. In fact, it parallels Christ's character! Since we are Christ's bride, our characters should be like Abigail's. That comparison was very sobering to me, as I am supposed to be the "head of the home." Even though I am a man, Abigail is still an example to me of how a man can hold the standard of conduct high by the grace of God.

    Thank you for bringing out this striking comparison in characters between Nabal and Abigail.

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  48. I echo this:

    "My tendency back then - and sometimes even now - is to withhold love, help, forgiveness or grace unless or until the other person deserves it in my eyes."

    My daughters middle name is Abigail - thank you for reminding me why :)

    Blessings,
    Kate :)

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