What She did to defuse the problem . . .

What damage control looks like in a leadership crisis, what is sounds like, what is presents as can make all the difference for a positive outcome or peaceful resolution. You may only have a moment to devise a plan, present a solution, or motivate your team into action. There may be no blueprint to follow, no instruction manual, but a calm tone, quick thinking, and carefully chosen words can put the brakes on a collision course with disaster. Never doubt that as a female leader you have what it takes to meet the opposition and win the day. Because God will use what He has deposited inside of you to put the plans of the enemy to shame.

Now one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master; and he [d]reviled them. But the men were very good to us, and we were not hurt, nor did we miss anything as long as we accompanied them, when we were in the fields. Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel[e] that one cannot speak to him.” (I Samuel 25:14-15, 17, NKJV).

More than just a pretty face or trophy wife of a wealthy landowner, Abigail of Maon had an inner beauty that shined brightest during one of the most frightening moments of her life. When she encountered David charging toward her with a band of veteran warriors, she had already sent gifts ahead of her to prepare the path for peace. Perhaps this wasn’t the first time she had served as intermediary between her scoundrel husband Nabal and those he had offended. But when she spoke to David, her words were filled with wisdom and power that carried a weight David could not deny was from the Lord.

Now when Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground. So she fell at his feet and said: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be! And please let your maidservant [f]speak in your ears, and hear the words of your maidservant. (I Samuel 25:23-24, NKJV).

Prostrate – a purposeful posture of humility characterized Abigail’s approach to David. She was not combative but courageous under the pressure of a life and death situation.

A leadership crisis can make you want to put up your defenses or even your fists. But the proper humility can be disarmingly beautiful, inviting others to drop their weapons and ammunition.

And now this present which your maidservant has brought to my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the Lord will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil is not found in you throughout your days. (I Samuel 25:27-28, NKJV).

Penitent – a passionate apology revealed her true character to David. She wasn’t too proud to ask for mercy even though she had not personally brought the offense.

As leadHERS, we are often called to bear the weight of responsibility even when we didn’t necessarily create the problem. Let that sink in for the next time you want to point the blame where you know it’s deserved.

Yet a man has risen to pursue you and seek your life, but the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the Lord your God; and the lives of your enemies He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a sling. And it shall come to pass, when the Lord has done for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you ruler over Israel, that this will be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. (I Samuel 25:29-31, NKJV).

Prophetic – a profound voice sharing God’s perspective put out the fires of revenge that raged in David’s heart. Abigail was guided by the Spirit of the Lord in what she said, and what she spoke into those tense moments changed the course of her life.

Can the same be said of the words you use, leadHERs, when you face unexpected challenges? Are the first words that come out of your mouth fueled by faith and filled with God’s power?

Abigail’s story reminds us that God’s view of leadership is strength under pressure and not strength exerting pressure on others. As leadHERs, we can overcome leadership crises by following her example of courageous action, humility, and wisdom.

Act decisively – Respond in faith with forward motion instead of allowing fear to paralyze you

Defuse the situation – Employ God’s methods to bring calm and peaceful resolutions

Assume responsibility – Shoulder the weight even others have caused, believing God for a positive outcome

Reframe the crisis – Speak God’s Word so others can see from His perspective

LeadHERs, my prayer for you today is that you will meet each challenge with confidence in God. Rely fully on His methods for victory in your battles. Watch Him work in your difficulties to ultimately bring favor and blessings into your life!

Your Sister in LeadHERship,

Dr. Margaret R. Frye

Want to learn more about the story of Abigail? Find it in I Samuel 25.

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