The Great Value of Godly Women

We hear all of the time about the importance of strong women and how we want our young women to grow up to be strong women. That's great and I want my daughters to grow up to be strong resilient women but there's something more powerful than a strong woman and that is a godly woman. A godly woman is strong but so much more than that.

I have the wonderful gift of being surrounded by wise, godly women. Starting with my wife and my mum but also so many of the women from the churches I've been part of. They are shining examples of what I pray my daughters will become. I know I don't express nearly enough how important they are to my life. Especially, and by far, my wife. I was reminded of a story this past week that caused me to reflect on this gift of God and be reminded of some important truths about the value of the women in our lives.

In 1 Samuel 15 (you should read the story) David and his mighty men are acting as protectors for the shepherds in the wilderness of Paran and according to the shepherds doing a very good job and acting honourably. When the time comes for payment to be made the owner of the flock, Nabal, not only refuses to pay but disrespects David and his men. For some reason this causes David to completely fly off the handle. He's not just angry, he's filled with rage. He is so furious he takes 400 of his men and immediately rides off to kill Nabal and all the men of his house. There's plenty of lessons to learn from this whole episode but I just want to focus on one which is how he was stopped from doing this.

Nabal's shepherds don't tell him what's about to happen but they do tell his wife, Abigail. She's smart, discerning, wise, beautiful and godly. In her wisdom she intervenes and meets David on his way. She shows wisdom and grace and constantly points David back to God. As a result David calms down and doesn't carry out his plan. In that moment David recognises that Abigail was a gift from God (1 Sam. 15:32) and credits her wisdom with saving him from a foolish decision.

Two important things strike me here. Firstly, godly women are a powerful and important part of our lives. Never underestimate the influence you have or the power that your godliness has in the lives of those around you. Abigail's role in this was wisely practical in offering payment but also powerfully spiritual by reminding David to look at God. Secondly, we men need to humbly listen to the godly wisdom of our wives. We are called to lead our homes in the spirit of Christ-like love not dominate our homes as authoritarian despots. As David saw Abigail as a gift from God so we need to remember that our wives are a gift from God and if we humbly listen to their godly wisdom we will be better husbands, fathers and leaders.

To the many godly women in my life, thank you for your wisdom and patience. May you be praised.

To my mum, you have always been an example of godly wisdom. Your children and grandchildren rise up to give you praise.

To my wife, your wisdom and patience has saved me from countless stupid decisions. Blessed is the Lord who sent you to me.

Happy Mother's Day to you all.

BPM