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.
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.
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