The book of Acts describes Tabitha as a disciple who “was always doing good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36). When Tabitha died, Jesus’s followers in Joppa sent men to Peter who urged Him to not delay in coming with them to see her (v.38). They expected the Lord to do mighty things, and He did: through Peter, God raised Tabitha from the dead, and “this became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord” as a result (v.42).
Sometimes my heart is numb or my head is distracted when I read God’s Word, and mighty works like this one from today’s reading roll past my heart without registering the awesome power of our God. Not only that, but when I read about these expectant disciples in Joppa, I realize I don’t often expect God to do mighty things. “But God”—what a beautiful phrase of grace—“who is rich in mercy” awakened my heart today (Ephesians 2:4), reminding me that He most definitely continues to display His power throughout and within His creation. For just as God raised Tabitha from the dead, He raised us too! We were once dead in our sin, but “because of his great love that he had for us, [He] made us alive with Christ… [We] are saved by grace!” (vv.1, 4–5).
I’ll most likely be trying to wrap my head around this truth until I’m home, in heaven. It wasn’t because we were “always doing good works and acts of charity” that God saved us. No, it is by His power and His grace, and because of His unimaginable love for us that He willingly went to the cross.
Wherever you are and whatever your worries, struggles, uncertainties, hardships, sufferings today—stop, be still, and meditate on what is true: the God whose power is so mighty that He is able resurrect people like Tabitha from the dead, is the same God who pursues you and me. Whatever your current circumstances look like, whether they stir up fear or thanksgiving in your heart, remember this:
The LORD your God is among you,
a warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will be quiet in his love.
He will delight in you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
If you are in Christ, your eternal life is secure because of Jesus. His blood has made this possible, but it was His love for you that led Him to the cross. He has raised you to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Rest in His mighty love for you today, for you are truly beloved indeed.
Kimberly Girard is a well-loved child of God, wife of an extraordinary man, mother of three amazing kids, and writer living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You can find her at Loud Singing and on Twitter.
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40 thoughts on "Tabitha"
Wow, help me to rest in your love Lord. Thank you for your power and giving me freedom and life
I love that God sings over us and with his love quiets our fears. I pray that I would stop and meditate on that.
Wow, these words nourish my soul. This season (covid) has left me distracted more often not. I feel like a failure. BUT GOD. Over and over again: but God. Give me faith, Lord Jesus to rest in your love and grace.
This wasn’t today’s reading but I read it this morning…one day after finding my baby not breathing on his crib. My husband got him breathing while waiting for the ambulance, by the time he got to the hospital, he was stable and is now home with us. We’re thankful that God brought him back to life and is letting him stay with us a bit longer
Oh rejoicing with you Pam! The Lord was with him!!
I read this and I take a breathe… my brother is in such a dark place. It’s hard to see and know what I should be doing. Am I doing too much.. not enough… but then I read this and I remember that God is doing more than I ever could. That his hand is in this. My heart breaks for the angry and dark place my brother is in. But my God can free him like he raised Tabitha from the dead. I will try to take time to be still and wait on the Lord. To hear his voice as I figure my next steps.
Thank you to this community that I read people’s comments and replies.
First, when I was younger I had a teen yearly devotional that I read through several years. On my birthday was the story of Dorcus. I honestly forgot about the story until today, because all I remember was not liking the devotional because of the name Dorcus… #teenagerthoughts
Second, I relate to Kimberly so much in the sense of not fully realizing the incredibility of God’s power. I skim over devotions often, going through the motions, to move in to the next item in my agenda. But those moments where I stop and take the Lord in, like now, bring me back to the awe and wonder that is our God.
And third, I am absolutely in love with this SRT community. I rarely post anything but almost always read the comments. It makes my heart so happy to see us all encourage each other and pray for one another ♥️
In response to yesterday’s posts because between doctor’s visits and car check-ups I didn’t get to post it.
Tina, I cried as I read your story, I could identify with some of your story. I have lost a son in 2003 and more recently my niece (who was more like a daughter) in April of this year. I can feel your pain and your joy and I know like you that I too will meet them in Heaven one day.
Searching, you gave me some questions to really think long and hard about. Thanks.
Sherry, having gone through something similar, I really appreciate your words of encouragement.
Churchmouse, you are so right His faithfulness is great and it is wonderful too.
Taylor, it’s great to hear that you have put your trust and love in God and Christ.
Lizzie, thank you for your words. I want to suffer with Christ now.
Angie, your words make it sound so wonderful and I can’t wait. I can’t wait for Him to welcome me home.
Lindsay C., I too need to show that love and kindness to those outside my comfort zone.
Jennifer Anapol, I too can see the pros and cons to it but you must think of your church members.
Searching, yes our loved ones in long term care facilities may die with out seeing us again but do we want to risk infected them or anyone else in the facility.
I am finding as I read many of the scriptures that some of my favorite Contemporary Christian songs have scripture in them. An example is in Ephesians 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy,”. Big Daddy Weave uses this phrase in his song “Alive”. I know there are others I just can’t think of them off the top of my head. SRT and you my fellow sisters in Christ have allowed me to gain so much more knowledge and wisdom in God’s Word. I am finding more depth and meaning to it each and everyday I read. I am reading parts of the Bible I have never read before and it making want to do studies of other areas and books of the Bible. Thank you SRT and my sisters in Christ. Because of the last few devotions I have ordered the study book for Acts and will be doing it when it comes as well as the daily one. Lord God continue to increase my knowledge of You, open my mind, heart and eyes to Your teachings. Thank you for these wonderful and knowledgeable women of God. Amen.
Thank you. Your grace & gratefulness is beautifully spoken. But God….. has brought us to this place together.
Thank you. Your grace & gratefulness is beautifully spoken. But God…. has brought us to this place together.
Wow, I had no idea Peter resurrected someone! God’s love and mercy never ceases to amaze me! I love the passage ‘For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift’. This is a great one to use when talking to people that don’t understand the importance of believing in their salvation through Jesus Christ! Inspiring devotional today. I hope all my SRT sisters have a blessed weekend!
Wow what an awesome powerful reading
MARI V, let me tell you about our God and His providing of a car for me!
I had come alongside a friend whose son passed away suddenly.. I spent many days with the family.. on one of my trips to visit, along a country road I saw a number of the same car, and though I was praying to have the right words and to be Jesus loving arms to the family I was visiting, I stopped praying and jokingly said to God, ” maybe one day I’ll have one of those..” there was nothing wrong with the car I had, and I had no reason to change what wasn’t broken..
After a couple of hours and it was getting late, I got up to leave.. I remembered we hadn’t prayed, so I sat down to do so, when this almighty bang actually shook the house..a drunk driver had hit my car on the pavement.. I dont actually want to think what could have happened to me!
Needless to say, after weeks of looking and thinking the prices are beyond me whilst still professing that Gods got this, I finally end up at a dealership..a few negotiations later, I have put a down payment on my dream car… but my heart is heavy..
Next day, at work my colleagues asked, as they had done for the weeks prior . “Has God brought your car yet.” I said yes but I wasn’t happy..I explained and one took me back to the dealership to get ny deposit back.. I explained that the car though my dream car was too much for my pocket.. he asked how much I want to spend, i told him. He laughed! He told me i would not get this car for the money i have, but he will see what he can do..
At 5PM he called and said i could have the car for £1,000 less, I told him I was sorry but I had told him my budget,. He called again 20mins later, another thousand off. Again I said no he knew my budget..
At 6pm he called and offered the car for my budget..3 thousand pounds less than the asking price..my joy was from ear to ear.. God had been absolutely faithful, and answered a half hearted dream. It cant get better than that!
YES IT CAN! because He is able and He loves to give and provide for His Beloveds.!
Amen.
Tina!!!! Oh my goodness! I’ve been praying for a specific car! Just like you, I laughed and boldly told my children and my mom,: God is going to give me a car“. 
Of course I’m doing my part and I’ve saved some money. And hope The outcome of my auto accident will result in settlement. I have to say God protected my son and I as a car ran a red light and struck the driver side. My son was driving.We prayed immediately once we were able to get out of the car.
I didn’t get to finish my post Tina. I wanted to say that I am trusting God immensely! I too don’t have very much BUT MY GOD will provide! A couple of people kind of of laughed when I told them the amount of money and I can afford per month for a car payment. Nope my feelings weren’t hurt not at all I just know that God will make away.
Tina, always good to “see” you and your wisdom. ♥️
Praying for you Mari V. Thanking the Lord for your son’s job and for how He will provide a way to this job. Protection for you at the hospital for the routine procedure, glad it is nothing serious, and trusting Jesus with you to provide a car for you. He is mighty, and the resource of all. Our Redeemer walks beside us, every and each one of us. He is faithful and trustworthy. Thank you Jesus for all the ways you love us.
Aw… Thank you Maura. I am so encouraged by your words!!
God lavishes his grace upon us. I am sinful and undeserving. Satan condemns. But there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I HAVE BEEN RAISED and SEATED with Christ in heaven. There is immeasurable grace to come! I am undone by the love of God. How can I keep from singing his praise!
Good morning dear SRT sisters! I was so encouraged by today’s devotion. I’ve been up since 5:15 AM as I’m getting ready for a routine procedure at the hospital. No fun! Nothing serious going on just procedures women at my age have to do. Getting up early without rushing to try to get to work gave me time, to take my time for this devotion. so glad I did. Kimberly hit it right on the nail. And so did Tina this morning. So I boldly come in faith asking my SRT sisters to join me in prayer for a few things. I turned in the last my court paperwork in hopes that this will complete everything for my legal separation. I mentioned four weeks ago I was in a car accident not our fault, totaling my old 1997 Toyota Camry. We are dealing with the other party at fault but there are some challenges. Please pray the favor would be on my son and I.
Tina’s comment today gave me extra boost of hope. I am trusting God will provide a car. And lastly for my son found out he got a job yesterday but we don’t have a car. I’m praying that God will make away that he can get there and from his job. The last three years since separating from my kids dad I’ve seen God‘s faithfulness reminding me and my children that He is with us. He has provided and the most amazing ways! I stand in awe!
Prayers for you, Michele L., and all of those who are distressed and confused by all that’s going on around us. May we learn to trust our Lord all the more in this moment. Lord, we believe that you are the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction. Help our unbelief.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV
That is exactly where I am right now. He definitely can, but will he? It’s encouraging to be reminded that others struggle with the same questions and doubts.
Same place, He can – is it my will or His? Can it be ours?
❤️
I believe God can. The struggle lies in if He will. That’s the inner battle of faith. Believing He can is easier than accepting He might not, than trusting that His answer, whatever it might be, is still best. It’s the old battle between my will and His, as old as the Garden of Eden. I’m amazed at the faith of the believers who send for Jesus while Tabitha lies cold in the upstairs room. Would I have done the same? Hmmmm
Oh, Churchmouse, I hope this finds you well. The struggle of which you speak is the truth, the battle. It is the battle of what we want and pray for vs what Hof had
Well that didn’t finish correctly
Versus what God has in store for us. Sometime we see it immediately, sometimes it’s years but he is in control and we, we are weak.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for; my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Proverbs 3:5-6
Mark 9:24
Lord, thank you that at my weakest point, you fill me with life. Thank you for reminding me of your truth. I love you Lord, please fill me with faith in you alone.
❤️
So needed this today. I’m struggling with anxiety and constant worry with everything going on in the world today. The virus, the hatred, the division, trafficking of children. I needed this today. ❤️ But My God is with me.
Me too, Michele. Praying for you!
but God is my favorite phrase. i am always blessed after reading this passage in ephesians!
Just another quick comment…HRT was also so good this morning…..
“Would you rather be known for the things you did or the things that were done for you? “
“And yet have I not seen? Have I not been a receiver of such mighty things? Have I not known His hand at work in answer to prayer?” Thanks, Tina……..i am amazed at how often I am looking at other “miraculous” events in peoples lives and yet somehow “forgetting’ the amazing things He has done for me!!!
I love the verse in “‘Tis so sweet to trust in jesus” that says ‘How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er”!!!! Because my life is one big “proof” of God’s faithfulness and yet I’m too often caught with amnesia as I look out at the world and become discouraged.
❤️
Kirsten, morning. Yes, I read the you- version bible study this morning to and felt a slight nudge.. especially as the teaching seemed not to be scripted.. I felt what he was saying, and i absolutely knew as he spoke, that was me.
Together with this study, I believe God is on the case of lack of belief… for me..
As the old Sunday school hymn goes.. ‘.. trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be Happy in Jesus but to trust and obey..
Blessings Kirsten..❤
‘….but when I read about these expectant disciples in Joppa, I realize I don’t often expect God to do mighty things. “But God”—what a beautiful phrase of grace—“who is rich in mercy” awakened my heart today..’
This statement is often me!
And yet have I not seen? Have I not been a receiver of such mighty things? Have I not known His hand at work in answer to prayer?
I remember a friend in a our small group, asking for prayer for something and in the next breathe saying..”…but I dont suppose He will…” I didnt even let her finish her sentence, and in love, I reminded her of the times he provided, a car(twice) a new house, money to be able to go on holiday..
I should take the plank out of my own eye.. right?
Believing, trusting, having faith for others comes easily, because the God I know is a good God to His children.. I think my limited brain, somehow does not add me to the ‘His children’ part in my head.. and yet..
But God..
I need to learn to believe like the people of Joppa, I need to look to the heavens and know that God, has me also in His sights… that He will not pass me by, that if He did it then, He can do now.. He will do it for me.. He never changes. The same yesterday, today, and He will be tomorrow..
I need and should live my life, not in fear, but in the knowledge that God, my God, will never let me down… ever.. TRUTH!
Death, is so final, and yet..
But God..
In the bible, there are 9 stories/ accounts of people being raised from the dead.. Lazarus being 4 days buried..if God can do it then, He can do it now..
Nothing is impossible for God,
NOTHING.
Faith helps, and it only needs to be mustard seed size..
Plank being removed..
Thank you Lord God, that you do not ask us to have big faith, but to have faith and believe.. Thank you God, thank you…
Happy Friday Sisters, wrapped in love and prayers for a God led and blessed weekend. ❤
❤️
Tina, I am encouraged by your words this morning full of wisdom and God‘s knowledge. You are a true and great testimony of God‘s faithfulness. God is good! If He did it for you, He will do it for me and He will do it for others just like He always has. It may not be in our timing but it’s in His perfect timing. LOL, I too have been praying for a car. I know He will provide
Thank you so much for this teaching. I copied this part and reread this again and again:
Wherever you are and whatever your worries, struggles, uncertainties, hardships, sufferings today—stop, be still, and meditate on what is true: the God whose power is so mighty that He is able to resurrect people like Tabitha from the dead, is the same God who pursues you and me. Whatever your current circumstances look like, whether they stir up fear or thanksgiving in your heart, remember this:
The LORD your God is among you,
a warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will be quiet in his love.
He will delight in you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
How amazing and beautiful is our God? May this teaching and the Scriptures touch each of us today. May we learn the truth of His Word, be in awe of Him, and be changed!
The verse of the day on the Bible app is: ““ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.””
Mark 9:23 NIV. There is also a short teaching, a devotional, and prayer that goes with the verse each day. The teaching today is worth checking out. I could definitely relate to the guys belief for others, but not for him. Yet, God’s Word is for me too. I can choose to trust and believe, and I can even ask God to help my unbelief. I’m amazed at God’s love for us!