36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!"
39Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
This passage has clear teachings for us about life. These teachings or principles can help us live the lives that God has called us to.
1. Tragic things happen.
Tabitha, a godly woman died. We will have loss and heartbreaks. It is part of life
2. There is power in prayer.
Peter prayed and things happened. When God’s people pray, great things happen.
3. We need to remove ourselves from the chaos.
Peter removed himself from the weeping & wailing and the grief around him. He sought to be alone with God.
4. There is healing for us.
There is healing for us today. From our brokenness, from our grief and sorrow, there is healing in Christ.
5. We need to act in faith, believing in hope.
Peter spoke with confidence of the reality of answered prayer. That kind of faith can transform our lives if we will also step out in faith.
6. There is hope for tomorrow.
There is hope for us, for the problems we face, for the obstacles that we stumble on. God has plans to prosper us.
7. There is a testimony to be lived.
People came to Christ because of Tabitha’s healing. the testimony of our lives speak louder than words.
Conclusion: How we live counts … it will be on the final test. How I live will influence people for Christ … or it will drive people away. I can prove the transformational presence of the indwelling reality of Jesus Christ, or by my words and actions I will say it is a lie. We need to live, like we believe.
Thought For Today
Faith is belief in action
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