PURPOSE FOR LIVING (7)

(The good works of Dorcas)

Preamble
Last week, we considered the case of Noah in our study of purpose. In this series, we are beaming the search light on the patriarchs and matriarch of faith who stayed true to their purpose.

The essence is to extract from their testimonies and apply to our own lives in our own pursuit of destiny actualisation. It is an earlier established grounds in this teaching series that everyone on the face of the Earth has a special assignment given to him or her by God, which he has to discover and fulfill.

Dorcas, The Good Woman
"Now, there was at Joppa, a good woman named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and alms deed, which she deed.
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick and died. When they had washed her body, they laid her in an upper room chamber.

Forasmuch as Lydda was nigh Joppa, and the discipled had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him, two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them.

When he arrived, they brought him into the upper chamber, and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body said, 'Tabitha, arise'. And she opened her eyes and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (Acts 9:34-43 KJV)

Her 'Purpose' Spoke For Her
Not much is reported about Dorcas and her life, but one thing is remarkable in her life –her good works. The second verse says 'she was full of good works'.

She was a seamstress: she made clothes for widows and other people (perhaps for free or at a very low cost). The people testified that she was good.

They presented their cliams to Peter. Before his arrival, they refused to bury her.

Be true to your purpose. Do not look up to the praises and recognition of men. I don't know how expressive these women were towards Dorcas when she was alive, but when trouble struck her, they all teamed up to her rescue. Her purpose spoke loudly.

God Will Always Resurrect His Purpose
Pastor David Ibiyeomie once said that 'purpose cannot be buried'. Using Joseph as an example, he explained how the attempts by his brothers to bury his dreams were futile. Same here. God always resurrect His purpose. Even though it dies!

So, if what he committed into your hands seem to be dying, call out to Him. He said 'I will restore'.

If he gave the purpose, then he is ever committed, as long as your own obedience is fulfilled. Do not let God's purpose to die in your hands. Act like the friends of Dorcas: look for Jesus.

God is Always Nearby, Seek Him
The women knew if they could get at Peter, things would change. So, they sent for him. Do not give up on your purpose. Do not watch it die. At least, go to God in prayers. He is always nearby. In fact, He is now in you!

Shut in and seek his face for your purpose. Consider the people that are blessed by it. And consider the glorification of God's name, through your purpose.

Also, partner with godly people who can encourage you in the Lord. The friends of Dorcas did not take her to a shrine to seek help. They believed in the Lord. They sought for God.

I hope this has been a blessing. Go after your purpose! Fulfill it!

Stay tuned for the next edition. God bless you.

Stay safe.

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