March 20: Tabitha is raised

Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity. At that time she became sick and died. When they had washed her body, they placed it in an upstairs room. Because Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived they brought him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him the tunics and other clothing Dorcas used to make while she was with them. But Peter sent them all outside, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her get up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive. This became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. So Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a man named Simon, a tanner.  (Acts 9:36-42  NET)

The events in this passage are normal Christianity—this is the way it’s supposed to be. We should expect people to be healed, the demon-possessed to be freed, and the dead to be raised. The name of Jesus has unlimited power, is meant to be used to help the suffering, and to unmask the devil—but we have to decide to use it, to allow it to flow through us. 

Throughout the Bible, Old and New Testaments, miracles have been a normal aspect of the lives of those who truly believe in Him. Raising the dead, healing the sick, destroying huge enemy armies… has always been a natural way for God to reward, protect and fight for His people. For those of us who believe, miracles should be one of the most natural things. They should be expected. This is one way to differentiate our lives from those of unbelievers and evil people.

Most people who live in this physical world are bound by nature, and the "laws of nature". It’s a limited life and existence, where the abilities and talents of people are the only resource. But those of us who have given our lives to the Lord Jesus continue to live in the physical world but are not limited to the laws of nature. We are citizens in the Kingdom of God where anything is possible.