Titus 2

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.
But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
But Peter put them all out, 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.
Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. Acts 9.36-41 NKJV

We find in this passage a Biblical example of a woman whose life was exemplified by good works. In fact, she was “full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” This had become her identity. Not bad. I find it interesting to note as well that Dorcas is the only woman in scripture referred to as a disciple (a learner and doer, a devoted follower.)

Dorcas spent her life doing good works, charitable deeds. She had chosen to die to her own wants, maybe even needs, so that her life could be invested in serving others. For what, specifically, did she give up her life? We see the evidence of some good works: tunics and garments which she had made.

For whatever reason, God chose to raise her from the dead. Could it be that her ministry in Joppa was of great value and not yet finished? Also, God felt her work of garment making was important enough to gain a place in scripture for all to read about through the ages. His ways are not our ways, are they?

Dorcas lived in a fishing village. The men here were engaged in a dangerous lifestyle; there were probably many lonely and needy widows. Dorcas was not undone by the need, not intimidated, but found a way to care for them.

We sometimes hesitate because we cannot meet the entire need in someone’s life. God does not ask us to. He simply is looking for women who will care enough to do their part. Don’t be awkward in the face of adversity; lose yourself in the interest of others. Consider their need above your own discomfort. Providing practical help is demanding but accessible to most of us in one way or another.

Some promises from God:

If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58.10,11 NKJV

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6.9,10 NKJV

Great and precious promises await those who obey and look to do good, the good works for which they were created!