Abigail’S Story: Biblical Wisdom from a Woman of Strength and Faith

By Sarah Young

As we navigate the challenging issues and complicated relationships in our lives today, it is essential that we seek the Lords face or we may be tempted to respond with indifference, fear, or isolation. It is also helpful to consider the godly role models God has given us in the Bible. Abigails Story reveals a woman who responded with strength and faith even as she encountered some very difficult circumstances. The humility of her heart provides a beautiful example. Her sacrificial service makes a powerful impression. And the depth of her trust in God is infectious as we press on to become women of strength and faith. Through her experience, we see Gods complete provision for answering his call to significant ministry and responsibility.

This study of Abigail also explores how her character qualities and actions originate from the very heart of God. Highlighting this reality should encourage us to delight in making him known through our daily walk, as well. Examining the evidence of Gods unconditional love, sovereign purpose, and faithful presence in Abigails life should strengthen our own faith and trust in Him. And finally, following Abigails example should infuse us with confidence as we interact in a needy culture and face an unknown future, knowing we serve a God who is alive and in control.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490893297

Sarah Young

Sarah Young is a pastor’s wife and mother. Her heart is in her home, but her love for reading led her to work with books in the Cedarville University Bookstore for many years. As the church and university settings have opened opportunities, she has been privileged to mentor and minister to women. She and her husband, Jon, live in Cedarville, Ohio. They have been blessed with two grown, married daughters. Follow Sarah on Twitter: @considerwithme and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/considerwithme

Book preview

Abigail’s

Story

Biblical Wisdom from a Woman of Strength and Faith

SARAH YOUNG

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Copyright © 2015 Sarah Young.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

Tammy Chavies Photography credit for AU photo

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-9328-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-9330-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-9329-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015914344

WestBow Press rev. date: 08/26/2015

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction:      Abigail, an Amazing Woman of Strength and Faith

1      Background to Abigail’s Story

2      Abigail Hurried to Be Approachable and Available

3      Abigail Hurried to Be Attentive

4      Abigail Hurried to Take Action

5      Abigail Hurried to Assume Leadership and Administer her Plan

6      Abigail Hurried to Seek an Acquaintance with David

7      Abigail Hurried to Be Accountable, to Accept Responsibility, and to Make an Appeal

8      Abigail Hurried to Admit and Speak the Truth

9      Abigail Hurried to Advise David and Acknowledge God

10      Abigail Hurried to Apply Hospitality and Abundantly Meet the Need

11      Abigail Hurried to Apologize to David

12      Abigail Hurried to Speak Words of Affirmation to David

13      Abigail Accomplished Her Goal

14      Abigail Hurried to Accept David’s Marriage Proposal

Summary

FOREWORD

Of all the women who are profiled in the Bible, Abigail stands in the first rank because of her wisdom and grace. Although she found herself in a difficult life situation, she responded in godly ways, which serve as compelling examples to emulate. When parents choose to name their daughters Abigail, as they often do, they affirm this remarkable woman who lived three thousand years ago continues to be a worthy pattern to follow.

In this book, Sarah Young draws from the narrative about Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 important lessons for life today. I have known Sarah and her husband, Jon, for a number of years, and in so many ways, what Sarah has gleaned from her study of Abigail mirrors her own exemplary quality of life. Sarah has learned well from her mentor, Abigail, and her life evidences that. Now in her writing, Sarah invites her readers to become people of strength and faith, just as she and Abigail have.

As you study the Bible with the guidance of this book, you will be informed, challenged, motivated, and blessed by the example of Abigail.

Daniel J. Estes, PhD

Distinguished Professor of Old Testament

Cedarville University

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

God has been abundantly gracious to me, and my heart is full of gratitude for my parents, Roger and Mary Ann Hayes, who introduced me to Christ at an early age and who made seeking and serving Him a priority in our family life. The faith of my family continues to be a source of encouragement and inspiration to me.

I am thankful for the influence of my high school teachers from Ross Corners Christian Academy, the Bible teaching of Dr. Dan Estes at Cedarville University, and the preaching of the pastors I have known in my church experience. God has enriched my life through so many people who have