NIV Once-A-Day Bible Men And Women Of The Bible DevotionalSample

THE NEED FOR DECISIVENESS Abner was a practical man. First and only commander of the army of his cousin Saul, Abner could make decisions, issue orders and force compliance. Abner was a “can-do” general. Contrast Abner with poor Paltiel, who had become second husband to Michal, Saul’s daughter (see 1 Samuel 25:43 – 44). When David finally had the power to demand that Michal be returned to him, Paltiel was brokenhearted. Abner, escorting Michal to David as part of a plea bargain, had to deal with this emotionally distraught man. His words carried no sympathy. He simply gave Paltiel an order. And that order probably saved Paltiel’s life. Making decisions that affect other people stresses us. We hem and haw over options; we calculate risks; we stew over how they’ll take it. Some people just can’t decide because they feel trapped by all the possible outcomes. But there are times when have to be like Abner — ​decisive. We may wish his hard exterior was softer and gentler. But Abner could assess a situation and move clearly to a decision that achieved important goals. The next time you’re faced with a decision that affects others, pray with intensity, then act in faith with bravery and resolve. PRAYER Grant me your wisdom, Lord, to act . . . READ Abner’s story is told in 1 Samuel 14:50 — ​2 Samuel 4:12. Abner is also mentioned in 1 Kings 2:5,32 and 1 Chronicles 26:28; 27:16 – 22.