THE POWER OF FAITH AND PRAYER
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, March 22, 2023
Acts 9:36–37a, 40 "Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time, she became ill and died. Peter put all of them outside, and then he kneeled down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up."
INTRODUCTION
Many people believe that faith and prayer can bring about positive changes in their lives. Faith and prayer have been shown to improve mental health by making people feel less stressed and anxious and more hopeful and optimistic. Some studies also show that prayer may be good for your physical health, like lowering your blood pressure and making your immune system work better.
While some see it as a way to connect with a higher power, others view it as a means of finding inner peace and strength during difficult times.
This story from the Bible talks about a miracle that Peter, one of Jesus' followers, did when he prayed for Tabitha and brought her back to life. Many people in Joppa's town witnessed this event, which led many of them to believe in the power of God. This miracle was a testament to the power of faith and prayer, and it inspired many people to believe in the teachings of Jesus and his disciples. It is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter future.
The resurrection of Tabitha was a big deal in the early church, and it made the faith of those who saw it grow even stronger. This miracle also showed that God's power transcends death and can bring hope to those who are grieving.
A. FAITHFULNESS
Tabitha, who is also known as Dorcas, was a devoted follower of Christ and was faithful in her duty, loving God, and people. To such an extent that her work was remarkable and impeccable in the town where he lived, a lady who made a difference, and it is very important to learn from what was her duty before she died. Her acts of generosity were remarkable to all; she helped people to the best of her ability, but something terrible happened to this noble woman; she got sick and died.
The kind and generous things Tabitha did for other people showed how loyal and committed she was to her job. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for all to follow in her footsteps and strive towards being faithful in their own lives.
Tabitha's life teaches us that we should not only focus on our own success but also on how we can help others. Her willingness to help others and her selflessness should inspire us to do good things in the world. Tabitha's actions prove that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in people's lives and that we should always strive to be a positive influence on those around us. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
a. Faithfulness
Psalm 18:25: "To the faithful, you show yourself faithful..." This verse from Psalm 18 perfectly describes Tabitha's character and her impact on others. She lived a life of faithfulness and selflessness, and in return, she received the same from those around her.
Psalm 31:23: "Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full."
The way Tabitha lived her life showed how much she believed in God and how much she wanted to help other people. Her selflessness and kindness reflected her love for the Lord, and she will always be remembered as a faithful and inspiring example for others to follow.
Psalm 33:4: "For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does."
These two Psalms verses talk about how important it is to love and trust in the Lord. Those who remain faithful to Him will be preserved, while those who are proud and do not follow His ways will face consequences.
The word of the Lord is always right and true, and He is faithful in all that He does.
In a world where people are often negative and only care about themselves, Tabitha's legacy shows us how important it is to care about others. Her example shows that by putting others first, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that can change the world for the better.
b. prayer
Zechariah 13:9
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people," and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’"
B. COMMUNITY
The miracle of Tabitha's resurrection gave people hope and brought them together because they saw God's power and love. It strengthened their faith and encouraged them to continue to serve and love one another. Her death left a deep void in the community, as she was known for her acts of kindness and generosity toward those in need. The miracle of her resurrection not only brought hope to those grieving her loss but also strengthened the faith of the community in God's power.
Many people were sad about her death, but her loyalty and kindness lived on, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and do their best for their communities. Her life is a testament to the power of faithfulness and the impact that one person can have on the world around them.
Many people who had benefited from her kindness and compassion felt her absence after her death, which was a great loss to the community. Tabitha's legacy is a lesson for everyone who wants to change the world for the better through their actions.
Remember when the people of the area were afraid of Nebuchadnezzar and asked Jeremiah to talk to God about it? (Jeremiah 21:1-14) "1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashur the son of Malchiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, saying, "Inquire of the Lord for us, for Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, is making war against us. Perhaps the Lord will deal with us according to all his wonderful deeds and will make him withdraw from us."
Jeremiah responded by telling them that God would not help them because of their wickedness and advising them to surrender to the Babylonians. He warned that if they refused, the city would be destroyed and its people killed.
But for Dorcas, the people went begging the apostle Peter, saying that this woman did not deserve to die. Peter went with them to where Dorcas lay dead, prayed, and commanded her to get up, and she opened her eyes, sat up, and was alive again.
This shows the difference between Jeremiah's message of warning and Dorcas' miraculous resurrection, which shows the power of faith and prayer. It also demonstrates the importance of seeking help from spiritual leaders in times of need. It also highlights the compassion and mercy that can be shown towards individuals, even when their fate seems sealed.
1 Timothy 2:1: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people." Intercessional prayer is to be made for all, and this is what the community did for Dorcas. This passage talks about how important it is to pray for others, even if it seems like they cannot be helped, and shows how prayers for them can lead to acts of kindness and mercy. It encourages a sense of community and caring for one another.
C. PUT OUT ALL THAT IS NOT DESIRABLE.
When Peter came in where they had put the body of Dorcas, he ordered all people to come out, as they were mourning without having any hope or faith. By asking the mourners to leave, Peter was able to focus on his prayer for Dorcas and ask God to bring her back to life. This act of Peter not only demonstrated his faith in God's power but also encouraged a sense of community and caring for one another as the people came together to support each other during their time of mourning. This passage shows how powerful prayer is and how important it is to have faith even when things look hopeless. Furthermore, it shows how a leader can inspire and bring people together during times of hardship and despair. Peter's actions remind us that there is always hope and that through prayer and faith, miracles can happen.
The community was introduced to having faith in Jesus to remove all doubts about lacking faith and to realize that the impossible is possible, for there is nothing too big for God.
During hard times, Peter's leadership and unwavering faith in God set an example for the rest of the community. They were told to trust in God's power and never give up hope. Through prayer and faith, they were able to overcome seemingly impossible situations and witness miracles unfold before their eyes.
Jeremiah 17:7-8: "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots along the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." This passage from the book of Jeremiah reminds us that placing our trust in God can provide us with strength and stability, even during difficult times. By relying on Him, we can remain steadfast and fruitful, regardless of the challenges we may face.
Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This verse emphasizes the importance of surrendering our plans to God and trusting Him to guide us toward success. When we commit our actions to Him, He will provide us with direction and stability in all aspects of our lives.
D. KNEELING TO PRAY
The secret of prayer is knowing how to kneel, as it is through this act of humility that we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite His presence into our lives. By getting on our knees to pray, we show that we are ready to give up our plans and trust in God's guidance. Kneeling in prayer also helps us to quiet our minds and focus on His guidance, leading us toward a deeper connection with Him. Kneeling to pray is not just a physical act; it is also a spiritual one that lets us give our worries to God, which gives us a sense of peace and comfort. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have a higher power who cares for us and wants the best for us. This act of humility allows us to connect with Him and receive the strength and wisdom we need to navigate life's challenges.
Psalm 95:6 "Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker."
By acknowledging our dependence on a higher power, we can find comfort and peace in knowing that we are not solely responsible for our struggles. This can also help us to approach challenges with a sense of surrender and trust in God's plan for our lives. We see Peter bending to kneel and bowing down, praying for Dorcas to get her life back. Peter's act of kneeling and praying shows his faith in God's power to heal and restore life. It also demonstrates the importance of humbling ourselves before God in times of need.
