The wise woman of Abel

We've studied this week about the wise woman of Abel, from the story in II Samuel 20:14-22. Today we'll conclude our study by looking at what else we can learn from her, that will help us in our lives today.

Yesterday we noted the source of her wisdom, and we probably got our toes bruised by the reminders that we need to be in the Word, meditating and memorizing; we also need to ask God for the blessing of wisdom.
But it's not enough to possess wisdom. Our wisdom must be active -- we need to put it to good use! God had prepared her to act in this particular moment of time, and she knew that He was with her. She did what she needed to do, and God blessed her with awesome results -- many innocent lives were saved. Let's dive in!

How the wise woman behaved in a crisis was determined by what she did the rest of her time.

To bring it closer to home (ouch!), how we behave in a crisis or a puzzling situation is determined by what we do the rest of our time. When we find ourselves "between a rock and a hard place" how we react will be a result of what we do in all the other moments of our lives. We must, as Paul said, train ourselves and discipline ourselves, in order to be ready for those moments. It's too late to search the Word when a quick decision must be made. We cannot always fall on our knees and ask God to help us (though many a quick prayer has caused God to bless in tight situations!). Here's the thing: if we are putting the word of God and His wisdom into our hearts day and night, month by month, year by year (like Anna, last week) then the Holy Spirit can bring it out when we need it. In a split second, in that moment that we are challenged, He will show us by bringing something to mind. Our wisdom will be spontaneous, if it is guided by our Lord.

One last thing about the wise woman . . . she had wisdom, and she was ready to quickly use it, but she was also courageous enough to follow through.

She saw that there was a need for immediate action -- the earthworks were already up along the walls, and the soldiers were battering down the walls with all their might. Her friends, children, and the rest of the city --  everyone was in danger. Sometimes quick action may be required of us, as well. We might hesitate; we might rather turn and go in the opposite direction; in the end, we must act.

When we are living in obedience and a close relationship with God, we can be courageous. We can trust that we are not going it alone. God is there, giving us the help and assurance that we need.

                     Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on
                     it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written
                     in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded
                     you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be dis-
                     couraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
                     (Joshua 1:8-9)

 We can be wise women, too!