Living An Impactful Life - Part 2

It scares me when I hear people saying they are better off without Christians in their midst. It really pains me when I hear people saying they have lost confidence in Christians. And my friend, I have heard that many times.

If you happen to be one of those people, I just want to assure you that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He never changes. Don't lose confidence in Him.

Thinking about Jesus, I am reminded that during His earthly ministry He came through for many who had lost hope. Those who desperately needed Him were  touched by His compassionate heart and were saved - physically and spiritually.

In our last post we talked about a woman named Dorcas whose life was a blessing to the less privileged. The people who were impacted by her life were desperately hopeless in her death. But when they heard that Peter was around, they had confidence in him that he will bring a solution hence they requested him to come as soon as possible.

We learn that living an impactful life will land you into difficult situations and you must be the solution. When people see you they see hope. When people see you they will know their problems will be solved. They will leave it all to you. They will say, "Ngoba sekukhona wena konkhe sekulungile." (Now that you are here all is well).

That is not easy. In fact, it's scary. I don't know what was in Peter's mind when he was called to 'solve the problem' (Dorcas' death). These people wanted their beloved one alive, end of story! He had to make a difference.

He could have said, "She is dead, there is nothing I can do," and settle with strengthening them with comforting words. But as a man whose mission was to make an impact, he had to take a leap of faith and go beyond the ordinary.

This scene draws us into Peter's secret. To live an impactful life, he knew his Creator. That's why before he did anything, he had to have a one-on-one talk with the Giver of life. He ordered everyone out and knelt down and prayed. What happened after that was extraordinary and supernatural. Dorcas came back to life. This news spread throughout the town, Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. What an impact!

If we are to live an impactful life, we must know the Author of life. We must have a strong and deep relationship with the Author of life. We must depend upon the Author of life!

Living An Impactful Life

"She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor." - Acts 9:36

The story of Dorcas is very brief but very insightful. Quickly we are told of her life, death, and amazingly her resurrection from death. Don't we all wish our beloved ones who have responded to the Lord's call could be raised from the dead? We find solace in the knowledge that those who died as believers shall be raised and live eternally.

The focus of the story is on the impact Dorcas made while she was still alive. She was a dressmaker and she used her occupation to serve the Lord. She stitched her life into the hearts of the less privileged.

We are told that she fell sick and died. Fortunately Peter was in a nearby town where he was preaching and he was called to the room where Dorcas body was. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showed Peter the coats and clothes that Dorcas had made for them. Peter had to ask them to excuse him as he prayed for the resurrection of this woman and the awesome God answered the prayer. How wonderful!

The death of Dorcas was devastating to the widows simply because she had made a difference in their lives. She cared about them and endeavored to use the very talent that God blessed her with to serve them. She brought a smile to their faces and in her they experienced the love of God.

It's a challenge to all of us, especially those who profess to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. What impact are you making in society? Whose life are you changing? Are you using the skill or talent that God has blessed you with to bless others? That one act of kindness can change someone's life for good.

When you depart from this planet, who is going to be standing at your graveside saying, "_________(insert your name) is gone but he/she has made an impact in my life and here's evidence."