Youth for the Lord for Sunday, March 31st

Hi Parents!

When I was a kid I would hear the word dork used in a derogatory manner toward other people. Because of that I have difficulty not feeling bad for Tabitha having the name Dorcus. I know it’s silly, but every time I read this passage, or think about it, I think of that. I am so happy that my Bible has a foot note that tells me Tabitha (Aramaic) and Dorcus (Greek) both mean gazelle which is a beautiful and graceful deer. I also love the description given of Tabitha that shows she is active serving God by helping the poor. It is obvious she was loved by the widows who probably made up the majority of the poor people.

Tabitha died, she was dead. The ladies prepared her body for burial and I’m sure this was not the first time they had done such a thing. They knew she was dead. They were sad. When the other disciples (followers of Jesus) heard that Peter was nearby, they sent for him. Since they were rushing, I’m assuming they had faith Peter could do something about the situation. They weren’t just calling him to say words over Tabitha.

After Peter cleared the room he took time to talk with God. We were told several times Jesus would do the same thing. After praying Peter told Tabitha to get up. Guess what happened…yep, she opened her eyes and sat up.

God answers when we pray. I am so blessed that I have so many friends, big and small, who prayed for me when I was diagnosed with cancer. God answered those prayers and although I’m still taking medication, I feel like I’m healed. Unfortunately, God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want. I think that is one of the ways He teaches us to depend on Him. If we always got what we wanted, if things always went the way we wanted…we wouldn’t become the people He needs us to be. We wouldn’t know how to console folks who have problems.

Please read this story with your children (young and old). Help them understand how God always hears our prayers. He loves us and cares for us. We might not always get what we want…but that’s kind of a parent’s prerogative, isn’t it…He knows what is best just like you do.

​Thank you all!
Mr. Chuck