Let God Lead

Pete Kersker - May 29, 2026

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" (Acts 9:36-38 NIV).

Tabitha, as we saw last time, was a Hellenistic Jew (with Hebrew and Greek names) before she came to believe that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ). She was a good disciple (student) of Jesus because she always did good and helped the poor. Her death was a great loss for the community of believers.

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up (Acts 9:39-40 NIV).

Peter went to the community and felt their loss. Then, Peter did what the Lord called him to do. The result was that Tabitha (Dorcas) was brought back to life. This miracle was performed through Peter, but the power and direction came from God.

He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive (Acts 9:41 NIV).

It's easy to walk into a community of people who are different than ourselves and want to "help them" by changing their culture. God may want some of their culture to change, especially if it is sinful rebellion against God. Usually, though, God wants us to leave their culture alone. He simply wants us to bring the people living in that culture to God through His Anointed One (Messiah, Christ). Then they, too, can walk together with God.

This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord (Acts 9:42 NIV).

Have you ever been around people who are culturally different from you?
Do you ever try to "help them" change their culture to be more like yours?

Have you ever let God lead you when you are around people of another culture?
Has God led you connect with other disciples (students) of Jesus?