Acts 9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.

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Miracles are as extraordinary as they are rare.

A woman named Tabitha (also known by her Greek name, Dorcas) lived in the coastal city of Joppa and was obviously very much loved because she was known for “always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36). When she died, the believers in Joppa were filled with sadness. They laid the body in an upper room and sent for Peter, who was at the time in the nearby town of Lydda (v. 37–38).

Peter came at once and met with the disciples in Joppa, who showed him the clothing that Dorcas had made for the widows there (v.39). We do not know what was going through Peter’s mind at this point, but there were essentially two options. He could have comforted these mourners with the reassurance that Tabitha was now with the Lord Jesus, or he could possibly do what Jesus had done with Lazarus and the official Jairus’ daughter — raise her from the dead.

Peter sent them all out of the room and prayed, possibly asking what the Lord wanted done. Then “turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet” (vs 40–41). The overjoyed believers received their friend, and the news spread quickly throughout the city. “Many people believed in the Lord” as a result (v.42).

We should pray for healing, but we also need to recognize that it is the Lord who chooses how and when He heals. Nothing is impossible with God.

PRAYER STARTER…

Precious Lord God, we humbly come before you and ask that you help us to direct our prayers toward you will and purpose, especially for those who are suffering. Not our will, but yours be done. Give us peace that when we unburden our heart to you, you do hear our prayers and will answer them, whatever the outcome. To you be the glory, for ever and ever…

(Continue this prayer as the Holy Spirit directs you personally. Specifically, ask the Lord to heal those that you know that are currently suffering with physical or mental issues.)