“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.”
- Acts 9:36 ESV
I was sitting on the porch this morning watching my human drink his coffee and read his Bible. I was doing what I do best… enjoying the sunshine, keeping an eye on things, and hoping breakfast might come my way sooner than later.
My human stopped reading and started talking about a lady named Dorcas. Now, I’ve known some dogs with unusual names, but Dorcas? That’s a new one.
Turns out, Dorcas was pretty special. Not because she was famous, wealthy, powerful, or had a big platform. She was special because she loved Jesus and spent her life doing good things for others. She made clothes, helped widows, and cared for folks who needed a little extra help.
She wasn’t making headlines.
She was simply making a difference.
When she died, the people she had loved showed Peter the garments she had made. Her life had left a trail of kindness that couldn’t be measured in dollars, titles, or accomplishments.
That got me thinking. Around here, I don’t have much to offer the world. I can’t preach a sermon, write a book, or balance a checkbook. Frankly, I’m not even very good at balancing on four legs when a rabbit runs by.
But I can offer companionship. I can greet somebody at the door, sit beside someone having a hard day, and remind my human that sometimes the best thing you can do is simply be present.
Maybe that’s the point.
God has never needed extraordinary people to accomplish His purposes. He uses ordinary people who are willing to make themselves available. Dorcas didn’t change the world by being somebody important. She changed the lives of people around her by faithfully serving the One who was important.
And God still works that way.
You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit, have a big bank account, or thousands of followers to make a difference for the Kingdom. You just have to let Jesus use what you have, where you are, with the people He puts in your path.
Jesus came to save ordinary sinners like you and me. At the cross, He gave His life for us, and through His resurrection, He offers new life and a purpose bigger than ourselves.
So don’t underestimate the ordinary things you do in Jesus’ name. A kind word, a helping hand, a meal delivered, a prayer offered, or a little time given can become something extraordinary in God’s hands.
My human finished his coffee, closed his Bible, and scratched me behind the ears. I guess that’s pretty ordinary, too. Although, if you ask me, it’s one of the more important ministries around here.
Remember, it’s not about being somebody special. It’s about serving a Savior who is.
Sometimes the greatest testimony you’ll leave behind is the love of Jesus somebody experienced because you were willing to show up.
Through the ordinary, God does the extraordinary.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
