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"
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.
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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. ❤
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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!