When we consider the ways in which we can contribute to the life of our churches and congregations, we often look at what kinds of gifts and talents God has given us. Then we look to see how those gifts and talents might fit into the congregation’s needs, present and future. Most Christians have thought at least a little bit about their gifts. Today I’d like for us to consider two people mentioned in Acts Chapter 9, both who used very different gifts to serve the Lord:
There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!” So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:36-42)
We usually think this passage is all about the miracle of Peter bringing a dead person back to life. But Peter wasn’t the only faithful disciple, so was the woman named Tabitha. She was a believer who was “always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.” She was a gifted seamstress who made clothes and distributed them to widows in her community. We can tell that the widows appreciated Tabitha by the way they mourned for her. Her loss would certainly have been felt throughout the area because of the work she did. Tabitha used her ability as a seamstress to help the widows, who probably had little money to buy new clothes or replace old ones. What a great example for us of a practical gift ministry! When Tabitha became ill, the church was probably praying for her. Then, when they learned that Peter the apostle was in the area, they called on him. Peter approached this request much like Jesus did in Mark 5:21-42, when Jesus prayed for Jairus’ daughter who had died. Peter may have had this in mind when he prayed for Tabitha. He told her to get up, gave her his hand, and then presented her alive to the community—and revival broke out! Peter’s ministry resulted in the community glorifying God. And Tabitha’s ministry of sewing and compassion for the poor would continue to glorify God.
Some ministry requires our practical skills to serve others—such as sewing, helping with a home or auto repair, making a meal, or taking someone to a medical appointment. Other ministries are totally dependent on God’s supernatural power and miracles. Both kinds of gifts come from God and glorify Him. So, how do you think you might use your gifts to glorify God, today?
“When the bottom falls out and disappointments come, you will learn what you believe, what you love, and what you treasure.”