DORCAS AND HER VOICE
by thebaileydrink
MERRY MONDAY BY PARRIS –
Acts 9:36 “Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics[b] and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.”
The word ‘ministry’ to many sounds intimidating and or totally unappealing. We make so much of a word that we push it right out of our minds. Surely ministry doesn’t include me, it goes to the folks that are holy, and holds a bible 24/7. But in reality ministry involves everyone till we see the return of Christ. What treasure do you find in your hand my friend? Most probably your ministry is right in front of you.
Dorcas found her rhythm in life “doing good deeds and serving others”. No, it wasn’t preaching nor signs and wonders but in clothing others and serving the poor. Dorcas grabbed material, needle and thread, some knitting tools and went to work. We are not talking about what she wore to church being the stylist she was, but having joy seeing others clothed. At some point Dorcas faced loss (we know she was a widow) and rather sitting around in some dark room, she found her voice once again. Whats so astounding is that when I look back at my life, I see the many Dorcas’s that stepped in and gave me their voice. I can still see my 2nd grade teacher (Mrs Cornell), or the women that knocked at my door when I came home from the hospital with our firstborn at the age of 17. My memories are full of women (my mother included) that encouraged me, gave me clothes, cleaned my house, and stayed up late thru the night to pray for me. Their sewing machine of grace hummed with his favor, love and support. They didn’t have big ministries or write books but they used their voice for his glory. My life is embedded with their voices.
Then came the day Dorcas fell sick and died. Dorcas’s voice and her hands fell silent but the people around her didn’t. They did what she would do, find the miracle worker. They placed her in the upper room where the fire falls and prayers become incense. They found Peter and wouldn’t take no for an answer. He heard about her voice, got everyone out of the room and Dorcas became the first person to be raised from the dead by the apostles.
So go look around for the material God has given you for his kingdom and use your voice!