A Lady of Impact
By Elizabeth Cole
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”
I Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV)
By Elizabeth Cole
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”
I Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV)
Have you ever wondered
what people will say about you at your funeral? Will they be able to articulate
your heart? Would they have something to show for your time in their lives? The
book of Acts in the New Testament records a situation in which one woman
wouldn’t ever have to wonder. Instead, I imagine she heard it firsthand…just
after God used Peter to raise her from the dead.
Acts 9:36-42 shows us the summary of a life lived for God. A woman who used her heart’s passions and her God-given skills to impact the lives of those around her. Take a look. Scripture tells us that Dorcas was always doing good and helping the poor. Upon her death, widows were quick to show Peter the robes and clothing Dorcas has made for them.
In our culture of star worship, in a society that tracks every Starbucks latte a celebrity drinks, is there any possibility that we, the Church, have bought into “the more public, the better” assessment of believers and their gifts? Completely contrary to that mindset, here stands this dear woman living out God’s plan and purpose for her life through HIS power. And the result? A life of impact for God. Look at the end of this passage in Acts (9:42): This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Every aspect of her life - - both the daily and the dramatic - - served to bring glory to the Lord.
What about us? Any chance we’re devaluing our part, our gifts, in God’s Kingdom because they seem to be less important? If at all, let God speak to your heart today through Dorcas.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What ability do you have that God might use to bless others? Ask God to give you one opportunity today to use that ability to serve that person (or type of person) today…and then do it!
2. What would you like to be remembered for? Do you think that will be the case? If not, what do you need to do to change that?
FURTHER READING:
I Corinthians 12
Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three grown daughters, and Director of Connecting and Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.
Acts 9:36-42 shows us the summary of a life lived for God. A woman who used her heart’s passions and her God-given skills to impact the lives of those around her. Take a look. Scripture tells us that Dorcas was always doing good and helping the poor. Upon her death, widows were quick to show Peter the robes and clothing Dorcas has made for them.
In our culture of star worship, in a society that tracks every Starbucks latte a celebrity drinks, is there any possibility that we, the Church, have bought into “the more public, the better” assessment of believers and their gifts? Completely contrary to that mindset, here stands this dear woman living out God’s plan and purpose for her life through HIS power. And the result? A life of impact for God. Look at the end of this passage in Acts (9:42): This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Every aspect of her life - - both the daily and the dramatic - - served to bring glory to the Lord.
What about us? Any chance we’re devaluing our part, our gifts, in God’s Kingdom because they seem to be less important? If at all, let God speak to your heart today through Dorcas.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What ability do you have that God might use to bless others? Ask God to give you one opportunity today to use that ability to serve that person (or type of person) today…and then do it!
2. What would you like to be remembered for? Do you think that will be the case? If not, what do you need to do to change that?
FURTHER READING:
I Corinthians 12
Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three grown daughters, and Director of Connecting and Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.
