Written by Erica Peck Dexter, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Searcy, AR
Have you ever given much thought to what your priorities are? Really though. Not just a passing thought of I value God, my family, and friends and then move on to the next thing. What is a priority for you?
Many years ago, I was feeling torn in many directions between work, spending time with my family, and university classes as a non-traditional student. I remember specifically asking God to help me put my priorities in order. Guess what happened? He did. About a month later, I was on my knees, and, without realizing it, I had just said, “Thank you, Lord, for helping me put my priorities in order.” My exact words. I paused and realized, “Whoa, He’s given me exactly what I’ve been asking about!” I smiled and thanked Him again. As I reflected, I could see that in every area of my life He had made things clearer, easier to sort through and prioritize what was most important.
Do you know where we can look to see good priorities in action? Who remembers Abigail from 1 Samuel 25? At this time, David and his servants were living on Nabal’s land, helping to care for the sheep and cattle, had treated Nabal’s servants well, not stolen anything, and had been, in general, really nice guys. They now go to Nabal at a festive time to ask for his blessing and see if he can “give them whatever he can find for them” (vs. 8). Abigail’s husband, Nabal, whose name means “fool, failure” receives David’s servants with a hostile, ugly attitude and sends them away with nothing. When David’s servants returned to tell David how they have been treated, he is, of course, furious. So much so that he says, “I will not leave one male alive belonging to Nabal by morning” (vs.22).
Here is where priorities come in: A servant runs to tell Abigail the news that David is furious, and ask what are we going to do?! Verse 18 says, “Abigail lost no time.” She literally gets cooking, preparing mounds of food and gifts for David and his servants in hopes of quelling his anger and the eminent battle that will take place if nothing is done. In the end, David accepts her gifts, and says to her, “May you be blessed for your good judgement and for keeping me from bloodshed this day” (vs. 33). Wow! She lost no time in acting on that decision, making it a priority. And she was blessed for it.
What priorities are you choosing? I encourage you to be like Abigail and lose no time in doing what the LORD has called you to do. Start today. Take courage and take His hand. You will be blessed.