Acts 9:36-41
Dorcas had helped everybody but herself. She was the giving, caring crisis. She had built a reputation for being compassionate, resourceful, and generous. As is often the case with this type of person, she had given to others until she had broken herself down.
Have you ever given your courage to someone who was discouraged then walked away discouraged yourself? Have you ever wondered when someone would come see about you? Yet the next time the need arises, you’re the first one on the scene. If you are like Dorcas, you often find your self helping others even when helping them in hurting you.
Now Dorcas was sick, and she died, simply collapsed. Gave out. Her friends-the ones who had benefited from her kindness-gathered around, reminiscing about her loving and compassionate deeds. Thinking her life was over; t hey had laid Dorcas on a table and mourned her. T hey believed this was the end of her. It probably seemed to them that all her giving had been in vain.
But God never forgets a labor. Of love. My sister, God has not forgotten your ministry. You may help someone who arises up, walks away, and forgets to thank you for your sacrifice. But not God. He never forgets, and just when you need Him most, He will show up.
This time He sent Peter to show Dorcas’s friends that God cares for carers, gives to givers and loves lovers. When Peter came in, he sent everyone else out. All the spectators were removed, and Dorcas was left with the only one who could restore her.
You can’t keep giving and be restore at the same time that there comes a time when you must put all others out and allow God to refurbish you. Trees do not continue to bear fruit without rest. The ground will not continue to yield a harvest without replenishing the soil. And no matter how strong you are, there comes a time when every one must leave you alone in the presence of the only one who can rise you again. In the privacy of your prayer closet, allow Him to renew you and restore you. Ask Him to water the parched and, barren place in you. The scriptures say that Peter spoke a word to her “Dorcas, arise”
I feel a resurrection coming to the distraught heart of empty women who have poured themselves out over and over. This is the time you to arise. If you have become a martyr to your marriage, arise. If you have been a minister to your children, arise. If you are burned out, stressed out, laid like Dorcas-cold and lifeless-arise!
Expect God to s how up and arise you up again. God is not through with you yet. He has a plan and a purpose for your life. And though you may be tried, weak weary, it is not over until God say it over. My sister, put death on hold and drive depression out for the world of the Lord comes to the woman who has given too much to every one else.
The Lord says, To day is your day. Dorcas, arise|
Source T.D. Jakes
Thanks for such a powerful messege. You are a blessing
I just wish to say that through what you have written I know that the Lord was speaking to me. I have spent the day in prayer asking for the Lord to say “Dorcas arise.” I believe that He has further work for me to do. I have had a very difficult few years and seeking his plan for my life today I have received through your message answers to my prayers.
I greatly enjoyed reading these words and am encouraged and thoguh life can be painful as a “doer” I shall always remember that the Lord knows even if others forget. I love the words “God never forgets a labor” how blessed I am to be reminded of that. That whole paragraph is a soothing balm.
God bless you for blessing me.
A great source of encouragement,just when i was feeling so burnt out,I feel renewed and the Lord’s revealation came to me so stongly as i read this.I will encourage my Sisters who may be going thro the same.Thankyou TD Jakes.