PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Apr
22

The Power of Influence

Richard Waialeale

Scripture
1 Samuel 25:12-13 (NIV) 12 David's men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word. 13 David said to his men, "Put on your swords!" So they put on their swords, and David put on his. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 400 men with swords ready!
Observation
Reading this part of Scriptures, I have no indication that David was in the mood to negotiate. (I want you for a moment, to place yourself in David’s sandals) Here’s David seeing red, burning inside, he’s thinking and saying to himself – “What? What did that fool say?“ It’s not so much his cool posture but the action he’s about to take and regret.
But now enters Abigail. Now enters the wisdom of a godly woman, a woman of influence - who is about to re-chart David’s course back to kingly grace and character. Abigail becomes key to effect the Lord’s plans in David’s life.
People of godly influence are priceless. They add value to others. For David, the future king, bent on revenge, Abigail becomes a priceless intermediary.
Application
The Lord will use people of godly wisdom to speak wise counsel into our lives that will keep us on course toward His kingdom purpose being realized.Here’s the key in this whole story and what I’ve learned – David is teachable. Because his heart was continually directed toward the Lord, God could trust him. He was back on course having turned from his anger.My application and prayer is – “May God keep me as flexible and teachable.”
Prayer
2Corinthians 10:3, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. Romans 12:2, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 1 John 4:4, “...greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

Devotions for April 22

1 Samuel 25,26
Psalm 63
Matthew 9

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