“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.’” Acts 9:36–38
Have you ever been in a really dire situation?
Today’s text describes how some of God’s people were placed in a very difficult situation: one of their good friends and fellow servants had died.
Sometimes when we are in such situations, we can feel a bit desperate. We need help, but oftentimes we feel so hopeless. This is simply part of the human experience, felt by many people and written about by the psalmists, Jeremiah, and Job.
One of the things that can help us experience a great deal of comfort in the face of death and loss is the presence of a godly leader, whose gentle presence can remind us of God’s truth. Peter was such a leader, used mightily by God to bring great comfort to God’s people.
We should be thankful for people in our lives who can help us in our times of need. This might be your parents, your grandparents, your pastors, or your mentors/teachers. God has structured our lives to lean on one another, especially when our trials are really difficult.
Read
“And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.” 2 Corinthians 2:3–8
- How and why does God comfort us?
- Who would you want nearby if you were enduring something really difficult? Why?
- How can you be a comfort to others?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you use others to comfort us in our trials. May we be a blessing to others when they are in need. We know that even if things in this life remain challenging, there will come a day when you will make all things right. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
