Tabitha
Open Your Bible
Acts 9:36-42, Romans 6:4-5, Ephesians 2:1-10, Proverbs 11:24-25
BY Guest Writer
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.
40 thoughts on "Tabitha"
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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
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Oh rejoicing with you Pam! The Lord was with him!!
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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 ♥️
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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.
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Thank you. Your grace & gratefulness is beautifully spoken. But God….. has brought us to this place together.
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Thank you. Your grace & gratefulness is beautifully spoken. But God…. has brought us to this place together.
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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!
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Wow what an awesome powerful reading
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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.
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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.
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Tina, always good to “see” you and your wisdom. ♥️
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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.
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Aw… Thank you Maura. I am so encouraged by your words!!
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