Wildflowers: Week One / Dorcas the Daisyنموونە

Divine Destiny

Back to our wildflower analogy. Daisies are composite flowers. That means they are actually two flowers combined into one. The inner yellow section is called a disc floret. The outer white petals are known as a ray floret. Dorcas enjoyed two lives while walking the earth. Imagine when we meet her in heaven to hear this tremendous tale face to face. While you and I may not experience resurrection until that Great Day, God does offer His daughters second chances. New beginnings. Do-overs. He's delivered me from depression, debt, and spiritual dryness to dancing, financial liquidity, and refreshing living water. Wherever you are, no matter what season or sin has gripped you, like Dorcas, you can experience renewal.

One final epitaph. Did you know that daisies are edible? Their leaves offer a tangy addition to your salad. However, I confess I'm not keen on sampling one. More importantly, the daisy possesses medicinal properties. Wild daisy tea is used to treat coughs, bronchitis, inflammation, and more. Applying wild daisies to wounds on the skin is also an effective treatment. As news of Dorcas' resurrection spread throughout Joppa, we learn that many others believed in the Lord. Her life, death, and resurrection brought spiritual healing to sin-sick souls. What about you? How has God used your pain for His gain? Do you share the story of Jesus' power to restore with others hoping that they, too, would experience new hope? Your test can become a testimony when you learn the lesson and give it to Jesus.

Read the verses below and answer the following questions:

"And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner" (Acts 9:42-43).

Practical Observation

1. Where did this good news travel? How do you think it was spread?

2. How did many of the people respond and why?

Believed carries the idea of finality. Those who heard of Dorcas' resurrection believed. They didn't need to be reassured or convinced again and again. Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36, NIV). Belief is unshakeable.

3. What decision did Peter make after this event and why do you think he did?

4. With whom did Peter stay and what was his occupation?

Simon is significant because he shows that the gospel would be open to people of all professions. When Jesus invited Matthew the tax collector to be one of the Twelve, it was scandalous because Jews hated the IRS. Equally, tanners were shunned because they worked with dead animals and urine. The gospel reaches to the uttermost and to the guttermost.

5. Look over Acts 10 and explain why you think God extended Peter's stay.

Personal Application

a. News of Dorcas' recovery spread throughout the region. After one of your recoveries, how did you spread the good news of our Savior? If you have not, would you do so this week? Share your testimony that others may be saved.

b. Make a list of people you pray for and ask that they find salvation soon. Write a prayer asking God to send them a messenger who believes in the resurrection.

c. Peter decided to stay in Joppa with Dorcas and her friends. Have you ever heard God tell you to stay when in your heart you wanted to go? Describe what you learned during this time.