Read: Acts 9:32-43
[Peter] gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (v. 41)
When my father died, I discovered what it meant to have a community of comforters surrounding me. Family, friends and the people of my church constantly had me in their prayers. I could feel it; all those prayers were supporting me as God’s Spirit strengthened me and carried me through my grieving process. I was very aware of everyone’s love and concern for me.
As the church, we are called to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2). Our griefs are often shared griefs, felt throughout the congregation. The apostle Peter, while visiting the church in Lydda, healed a paralyzed man, bringing joy to both the saints and their surrounding community (Acts 9:32-35). Afterwards, the church in Joppa sent for him. A dear disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), known for her good deeds, had died. The women of Joppa were especially distressed. At Peter’s arrival they showed him the clothes Tabitha had sewn for them and spoke to him, through their tears, about her kindness and love. Tabitha’s death was a great loss to this church. Peter, moved by God’s Spirit, understood how to help. Dismissing her friends, Peter prayed and then called out her name.
When Peter “presented her alive” (v. 41), the shared grief of the women of Joppa turned into shared joy! Tabitha was raised and restored to her friends. There would be more days of blessing others ahead for her.
As you pray, think of those in your spiritual community who need comfort today.
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
