Severe Storm Warning

Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning?

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

Abigail had just been issued a severe thunderstorm warning from her servant. He had reported the details that revealed the pending danger and she took action.

She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys.  Then she told her servants, “Go on ahead; I’ll follow you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

Abigail found herself in a life and death situation because of the foolish actions of her husband. Rather than pointing fingers and casting blame she quickly worked in the position God had given her as Nabal’s wife, to gather provisions that would be sent to David and his men. She didn’t let fear hold her back and she moved forward in God’s courage and wisdom.

When we face trials and disappointments because of the actions of others, do we respond the same?

Abigail was beautiful, but it was her meekness (strength under control) and tranquil spirit that made her stand out. These things, along with her courage under fire, showed that they were part of her every day character. She had been preparing and developing these characteristics in her daily life prior to the need for them.

Each day we have the opportunity to grow and develop our character by the way we respond to our circumstance and by trusting that Jesus is enough. God never demands what we, through His Holy Spirit, cannot do.

Character development today will prepare us for the storms of tomorrow.

Be Intentional about developing your character.

Praises & Prayers

Father, thank you for opportunities to grow our character. Knowing that You oversee each and every circumstance in our lives give us the courage we need to move forward and trust that You have a purpose for them. Let our lives bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Proverbs 15:18

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.