By Andrew Williams
“There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, ‘Please come as soon as possible!’ So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa, living with Simon, a tanner of hides.” Acts 9:36-43 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage introduces us to Tabitha (Dorcas), a faithful disciple known for her acts of kindness and generosity. Her life was a testimony to her faith in Christ, as she dedicated herself to serving others, particularly the poor and widows. When she died, her community was deeply grieved, and their immediate response was to seek Peter, demonstrating their faith in God’s power to work through him.
Peter’s response highlights the power of prayer and the authority of Jesus Christ. Instead of relying on his own ability, Peter first knelt and prayed, seeking God’s guidance and power. Through Peter’s obedience and faith, Tabitha was miraculously raised to life, and this miracle caused many in Joppa to believe in the Lord. Both Tabitha’s life and her resurrection became a powerful witness to God’s love and power.
This story reminds us that discipleship is not only about proclaiming the Gospel with words but also about living it out through acts of love and service. Tabitha’s legacy was built on her selflessness and her commitment to meeting the needs of others, which ultimately pointed people to Christ.
Tabitha’s life and Peter’s actions empower us to live as disciples who reflect God’s love through both word and deed. Tabitha inspires us to use our gifts, talents, and resources to serve others and glorify God, while Peter challenges us to trust in God’s power to bring hope and restoration, even in seemingly hopeless situations. This passage reminds us to redirect our focus from our limitations to the limitless power of Christ, trusting Him to use our lives as a testimony to His grace. Whether through small acts of kindness or bold acts of faith, we are called to live in a way that leads others to believe in the Lord.
This week, take a moment to reflect on how you can live like Tabitha, using your gifts to serve and bless others. Identify one person or group in your community who may be in need—whether it’s someone who is lonely, struggling, or in need of practical help—and intentionally reach out to them. At the same time, practice the faith of Peter by praying boldly for God to work in the lives of those around you, redirecting your focus from what you think you can do to what God can do through you. Let your life be a living testimony of Christ’s love and power.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Tabitha, whose life was a beautiful reflection of Your love through her service and kindness, and for Peter, who trusted in Your power to bring healing and restoration. Teach me to live as a true disciple, using my gifts to serve others with humility and compassion. Redirect my focus from my own abilities to Your limitless power, and help me to trust You in every situation. May my life be a testimony that points others to You, bringing glory to Your name. I commit to walking in faith and love, just as Tabitha and Peter did. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
