adapted from Acts 9:36-43 by Annette Bourland

Weeks went by, and still Tabitha felt no relief. “When will this illness end?” she groaned.

Her body burned with fever, and her lungs struggled for air. She worried about the clothing that still needed to be mended. Broken sandals, robes and dresses had been left at her doorstep for repair. If she could just manage to sit up, she could work on a project.

“Don’t worry, Tabitha,” an older woman said. “Many orphans and old widows are in need, but we can fix up the robes.”

“You must rest,” another insisted. “Soon you’ll be back on your feet. There will be time to help the poor once you are better.”

“But,” Tabitha gasped, “what about the . . . ?”

“Shh, sleep and we will pray for your healing,” the old woman said.

The two women exchanged looks of concern as they straightened the covers. Tabitha’s eyes were closed. She was finally asleep.

“I can’t believe it,” the oldest woman mumbled.

“She was with us and then in an instant she was gone.”

“What will we do without Tabitha?”

The women finished clothing their friend in a fresh robe. Sadness filled the entire house as everyone prepared for the funeral. Other widows grieved, shaking their heads in disbelief. They couldn’t bear to watch the men carry Tabitha’s body to the upper room.

“Her compassion for the needy and kindness to orphans are irreplaceable,” one woman said. “I don’t understand God’s plan.”

“We must call on Peter,” another woman replied. “He’s the disciple who has been performing miracles throughout the country. Surely he’ll know what to do.”

Weeping filled the upper room. Many followers of Jesus Christ and friends of Tabitha crowded in to say goodbye.

When Peter arrived at Tabitha’s home, he was taken upstairs.

“Thank you for coming, sir,” the eldest woman said. “Let us show you some of the wonderful treasures Tabitha created while she was with us.”

Peter reached for a robe. Its sleeves were beautifully sewn. Another piece of clothing caught his eye. It too had been masterfully stitched. He looked around the room, realizing each person gathered was wearing something Tabitha had created.

“Please, leave me with your friend,” Peter instructed. “Clearly, she was a servant of the Lord.”

As people filed out, Peter knelt before Tabitha’s frail-looking body. He prayed and prayed, knowing the Lord would hear his words.

“Tabitha, get up,” he said, turning his attention toward her face.

Tabitha opened her eyes. Seeing Peter she sat up and moved her hand toward his. Peter helped the woman out of bed, and the pair made their way across the room.

“Believers in Christ,” Peter called down the hall. “Come and join us.”

The grief-stricken friends paraded up the stairs.

“May I introduce you to Tabitha?” Peter asked. “Greet your friend and let her know she is loved.”

The widows and disciples clapped their hands. Their eyes were full of tears, but now they were tears of joy.

“Tabitha? Are you all right?” one woman asked.

“Yes, sister,” Tabitha said, smiling at Peter. “I’m alive and ready to continue God’s work.”

“He will use this miracle to bring more people to Him,” Peter added. “Not only is Tabitha alive, but so is Jesus Christ.”

Tabitha’s Top 10

Also known as Dorcas, Tabitha is best remembered for her good works and acts of charity. If she could choose 10 favorite Bible verses today, these might be on her list.

1. Deuteronomy 6:5—Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

2. Romans 12:13—Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

3. Luke 6:27—‘But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.’

4. Ephesians 4:2—Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with a one another in love.

5. Romans 13:7—Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

6. John 13:35—‘By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’

7. 1 Peter 3:8—Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

8. Romans 12:12—Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

9. Luke 6:37—Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

10. James 5:16—Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

	Q: What do you get when an antelope and a caribou collide? A: A cantaloupe. Jacy and Joe C., 8 and 6, North Carolina Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe