30 Days Day 19

Day 19

Acts 9:36-42

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

As chapter 9 continues we leave Saul’s story for a time and once more meet Peter in his travels. Peter has been traveling through the country, visiting areas and preaching the gospel. He comes to a town and there performs a miracle of healing, the people see it and turn to Jesus.

On hearing that Peter is in the area there are believers in a nearby town that call for him. A woman that had been full of good works and charity has suddenly died. They are heart broken at their loss, but having heard of the mighty miracles that God has done through Peter they hope beyond hope that something might be done.

Peter arrives and is met by the testimony of many as to what a blessing and help Dorcas had been in many lives. Perhaps they are pleading that if anyone would be worthy of such a miracle, surely it would be one like this woman. But Peter puts them out of the room and then he prays. He seeks God’s will ... what would God have him do? He relies not on the recommendations of people but on God.

I wonder what Peter thought at this point. I wonder also what the disciples that had sent for him were thinking. Jesus had risen from the dead. Lazarus had certainly been raised by Jesus. There were others that had been brought back from death to life. However, what could they expect here. Would God raise this dead woman?

How often are we faced with something that is too big for us? How often do we find ourselves in a situation where we see the seemingly impossible? Do we just give up? Do we just given into the natural...the inevitable? That is certainly the temptation. I would certainly have been tempted, in Peter’s shoes, to hold a nice funeral. I might have been tempted to proclaim God’s grace even in the early death of one so dear and such a good witness. She was saved! She is absent from the body but present with the Lord. This is far better for her. Peter prayed. And then having prayed, he called her to rise.

How big is our God? How powerful is He? Is His arm to short to save? Is anything too hard for Him? It is so wonderful for us to know that there is no request that we can bring before God that is too big for Him. There is nothing that is beyond Him. Nothing is too hard for Him! As we come before Him in prayer the power that raises the dead, heals the sick, created the universe and saves the soul also becomes available to us as God directs. We are foolish only if we will not seek Him..will not ask of Him. Nothing is too hard for Him!

Prayer Requests Day 19

1) Yvonne - invited to give 5 min testimony in a Church this Sunday - wisdom what to say in time given
2) Phil - continue to pray for his health. Making some progress on what might be causing the back ache, fell from his bike the other day and is a bit bruised - quick recovery
3) Crisis Pregnancy steering meeting Tuesday 9/11 - pray for more Slovene representatives, community study, wisdom in preparation for the meeting, good progress toward the organization and foundation of the center
4) Possible Fall English Camp - still many questions and details to work out but we hope to see a 2 day Youth English camp in early November - meeting more about this on Tuesday 9/11
5) Student Bible Study - We are praying for a student Bible study to begin this Fall as students return to University. Pray that God would bring all the pieces together 1. Darja - helping us make contacts with students; also pray for her studies at the University 2. Meeting Students open to studying the Bible 3. Student outreach - getting into student dorms for Bible study 4. Finding a regular night mid-week to meet that will be suitable for the most people to attend regularly.