Tabitha Lives

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity. In those days she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who begged him, "Don't delay in coming with us," so Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while with them. Then Peter sent them out of the room. he knelt down, prayed, and turning towards the body said, "Tabitha, get up!" He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed on many days in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner. Acts 9:34-43

Peter had been there when Jesus raised the little girl named Tabitha. Peter knew that faithless mourners must leave the room. Smith Wigglesworth also knew this. When choosing prayer partners he looked for people of faith. Only faith moves the hand of God. Smith would lock himself in the room of the sick person and pray until he saw Jesus and felt His compassion for the sick and dead, then he knew he could command the sick and the dead back to life.

The women were well meaning but lacked faith. They were caught up in their grief, Peter wasn't. Peter saw Jesus raise His own friend Lazarus from the dead. He knew how it was done, he was taught by the master. Death must yield to faith, faith is the power of God in our mouths, hearts and hands. Both Peter and Smith knew to pray until they had the key and then they would see the desired result.

Again this miracle brought an awareness of Christ to Joppa. It opened the door.

Peter stayed on with a man who was considered unclean, because of his trade. Obviously Peter was no longer restricted in his faith by this fact.