On a daily basis, we encounter different sorts of miracles. Even to wake up itself is a miracle most of us fail to acknowledge. We are daily surrounded by different miracles; from the little answered prayers, to the heart desires that are met, to the sicknesses that are healed, among many others, we should learn to count our miracles. Sometimes, we fail to appreciate the miracles in our lives because we fail to consider those things as miracles. In the early church, the dependence on God was so great that they encountered diverse instances where only God could have done those things. From miraculous rescues, healing the sick, raising the dead, encounters with great personalities and many others,the church thrived under the knowledge that God is working through them. At that time, the church in Joppa faced a challenge. They sent for Peter and their challenge became their testimony.
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)
The apostle Peter travelled around strengthening the churches. He went to Lydda where Aeneas was miraculously healed. There was another group of disciples in another city close to Lydda known as Joppa. In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor (Acts 9:36). Tabitha had a good reputation and obviously she was so much loved by the church. According to Acts 9:37-38, about that time that Peter was doing his church tours, Tabitha also became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Tabitha’s death was a major loss to the church. The church wasn’t ready to let go. In fact, they requested for Peter to come around. When Peter arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them (Acts 9:39). Tabitha’s life had been a miracle. She had constantly provided the needs of the widows.
The widows needed a miracle. They had lost their spouses and Tabitha had been a source of inspiration for them. She had also provided their needs. Their tears were legitimate, they wanted Tabitha alive. Peter might have been moved by the testimonies concerning Tabitha. He sent the widows all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, Peter said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up (Acts 9:40). The dead woman was raised from the dead. A great miracle happened in Joppa. Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive (Acts 9:41). This miraculous encounter would have brought joy to all the believers in Joppa. Other than the joy it brought to the church, this miracle also became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord (Acts 9:42). When miracles happen, lives are transformed and many people are turned to the Lord.
Imagine the next church service in Joppa after Tabitha’s miraculous restoration. The meeting place would have been full. Many people who were skeptical about the Jesus movement would have believed and joined the church. Tabitha’s testimony was enough to send a message to them. Whenever believers experience miracles, it is not just for them but to make known the power of God to others. Pray for daily doses of miracles, and pray that each miracle will draw someone closer to the Lord.
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