Kingdom Expansion: Acts
Tabitha: From Life to Death
‘Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.’ Acts 9:40
What is the most amazing thing you have seen God do in your life?
I haven’t seen anyone raised from the dead (yet!), but I still believe with all my heart that our almighty, powerful, all-loving God can do it. I have seen God answer my prayers for provision, guidance and strength, and I know that when we pray, God cares.
Jesus tells his disciples that signs and wonders will accompany them when they go into the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15-18), and the story of Tabitha’s rising from the dead is a truly remarkable one.
In summary, Tabitha, a lady renowned for doing good, becomes sick and dies. Everyone is devastated, and upon finding out that Peter is nearby, some disciples summon him to come and pray for her. Peter prays for her, says ‘get up’ and she opens her eyes and sits up!
Acts 9:42 says, ‘This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.’
Three things stand out to me:
1) A life of witness. Tabitha’s life and example as a disciple was inspiring. For people, particularly the widows, to be so upset by her death (Acts 9:39) is testament to the impact she had on people. The Bible tells us that she was ‘always’ doing good and helping the poor. What a way to demonstrate the love of Jesus to people!
2) A life of prayer. When Peter prayed, God heard. When we pray today, God hears. If we don’t pray, nothing will happen, but if we do pray, it will! Peter’s response was to turn first towards the Lord on behalf of Tabitha, and then to command her to get up.
3) A life of wonders. Wonders lead to belief in Jesus. Many more believed because of this wonder. Yes, Tabitha received life again, but many others also moved from spiritual death to life in Jesus through this wonder. Wonders are about God’s glory and God’s Kingdom breaking out on earth, so that many will come to believe in him.
How is your life one of witness, prayer and wonders? I ask the question not to be discourteous, but to make us think about how we are pointing others to Jesus.
I have been challenged recently by a persistent health issue in my life, not to give up praying for healing and a change in the situation. When I read the stories in Acts of normal people experiencing the power of Jesus, it encourages me that it is also available for me and for you today too.
Let’s not stop believing and praying for God to do wonders through us, so that many others will come to believe.
My challenge to you this week is to pray for at least one person who needs breakthrough in a situation. Let’s pray with faith and expectancy, and see what God will do!
- Susie Raybould