Monday Morning Encouragement -- Live Like Dorcas

"Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha which, translated means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity." Acts 9:36

I find the life of Dorcas intriguing. As a disciple of Christ, she was dedicated to helping others, often sewing garments for those in need. God used Dorcas to provide for others, and except for her death and the miracle of Peter bringing her back to life, we very likely would never have heard of her. However, the lives she touched speak to her faithfulness to God and the love that poured out from her to others.

We know that many other Christians died in those days and God did not return them to life. So why did He choose to do so in the case of Dorcas? We will never know for certain this side of heaven, but we do know that through her resurrection "many believed in the Lord." Also, imagine the joy Dorcas' friends experienced when they saw that she was alive. Imagine the praise that God received. Miracles are meant to bring glory to God! 

I also like to think that God gave Dorcas more time to minister to His children. Mary Elizabeth Foster Baker (1837-1926), who with her husband founded Bethshan House, "a refuge for body and soul" in England, says this of Dorcas:

"The lesson we have to learn is that such a life as that of Dorcas was precious to the Lord; He thought her worthy to be raised from the dead. The Lord values a self-sacrificing and ministering woman whose life quietly but surely brings God and heaven into the lives and hearts of many around her."

Today's music video Make Me A Servant by Maranatha Singers is an oldie, but still as relevant today as it was when first recorded.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.