“Your Efforts Matter to God”

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

BIBLE READING: Acts 9.36-42

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.” (Acts 9.36)

In a chapter dominated by Saul’s conversion and the continuation of Peter’s gospel work, Tabitha’s story seems misplaced. She didn’t do anything flashy or earth-shattering. She wasn’t a big name in the bible story, but she made a big difference to those around her. So much so that when she died the disciples sent for Peter in hopes that he could do something. I’m not sure what they were expecting; but it is obvious her presence made a difference to these people.  

What I find most remarkable about this story is how she made a difference. What Tabitha did wasn’t something uniquely Christian. Lots of people have made clothes through the years. And certainly, she wasn’t the first one to ever give things away. She didn’t write any books of the Bible. She never performed a miracle. No spiritual gifts are mentioned. No prophecy. No starting a church in her house. No supporting the apostles financially.

What did she do? She made some clothes and with kindness, gave them to others. That doesn’t seem like a big deal. That hardly seems worth even mentioning in the Bible. A few widows were touched by her generosity. But what she did made a difference to those few people around her. She had a talent, and she found a way to use that talent to serve and help others.

I think we ought to take pause to consider why the Holy Spirit felt it necessary to include Tabitha in the bible. The storyline doesn’t change much without people like Tabitha – the gospel is still going to spread, churches started, and people converted; but we see more clearly the result of a life lived for Christ through people like Tabitha. She served because she was a disciple of Jesus Christ. She did what she could, where she was, and others saw it. More importantly, God saw it and preserved her story for us to see as well.

We need stories like this, because when the glitz and glamor of faith fades into everyday life, we can get discouraged. Serving others can be hard. You might feel like you don’t have much to offer. You might ask, “Do my efforts really matter?” I can tell you, your efforts matter to God. Just a cup of cold water given in his name does not go overlooked.

Maybe you can’t preach. Maybe you can’t serve publicly. Maybe you have limitations. I’m sure there were many things Tabitha couldn’t do. But to those widows she was special. Don’t overlook the things that anyone could do. If there is something you can do to make the world a better place, do it. That’s the example of Jesus. Although he was equal with God, he humbled himself taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2). Like Tabitha, we may never be famous in the world, but when we live and serve like Tabitha, God will know our name, now and for eternity.

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