The Power of Your Influence

“Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?. . .The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:9-11 NIV

Saul and his army had been pursuing David and his men, but David and his general, Abishai, were able to sneak into Saul’s camp where they found him asleep. Obviously, David had intended to harm Saul in some way. (Why else would he have risked their lives to enter such a dangerous area?)

Yet, when faced with the opportunity, David just could not take action against Saul. Instead, he entrusted him into God’s hands. What influenced David to make this decision? It can be argued that he was influenced by the example of a woman named “Abigail,” whom he had only recently met.

Just prior to this incident (recorded in 1 Samuel 25), David was prepared to strike down Abigail’s husband, Nabal. But Abigail courageously confronted David and convinced him to forgive Nabal and release him into God’s hands. Ten days after this encounter, Nabal was dead. David was impressed with this wise woman and wanted her to be his wife.

When David confronted Saul in the camp, he was reminded by Abigail’s example that he could trust God to avenge his enemies. If God could deal with Nabal, surely God could deal with Saul. So David entrusted Saul’s fate to God: “Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” David had learned his lesson.

Here a woman of no apparent importance became an example to a military leader who would become king. And David would take this lesson and apply it throughout his life.

Today, you have the opportunity to be an influence in the lives of people all around you through the things you say and do. Whom can you influence? And what can you do to influence them?

Prayer: Father, help me to influence others to know and serve You. Help me to be a Godly example. Anoint my life and help me to live for You. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.