MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
(Leave a Legacy)
Scripture Reading: Acts 9:36–42
Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Dorcas saw needs and responded. She saw widows and helped them.
She saw suffering and showed compassion. When Dorcas died, the community felt the loss.
Her life had left evidence.
The question today is: If you left your community tomorrow, what evidence would remain that you were there?
1. MAKE SUCH AN IMPACT THAT YOUR COMMUNITY CAN RECOGNIZE YOUR CONTRIBUTION
“This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” — Acts 9:36. Dorcas was full of good works.
Don't ask only: “What does my community need?”
Ask: “What has God placed in my hands that can meet that need?”
Your hands can become an instrument of God's love.
2. LIVE A LIFE THAT MAKES PEOPLE PRAY FOR YOUR PRESENCE
When Dorcas died, the widows were devastated.
“All the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.” — Acts 9:39
There are people whose absence creates relief. But there are others whose absence creates pain.
3. USE YOUR GIFTS AS AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD'S POWER
Peter came to Joppa. The believers sent for him.
God had placed something in Peter that the community needed at that moment.
Peter was an instrument through whom God demonstrated His power.
When you train pastors, bishops, imams, or other community leaders to serve their communities, you are multiplying Kingdom influence.
4. LEAVE A LEGACY
The widows showed Peter the garments Dorcas had made.
Those garments became evidence of her love.
Dorcas was gone, but her works were still speaking. That is legacy.
But the greatest legacy is changed lives.
You need a life surrendered to God.
5. YOUR GOOD WORKS CAN OPEN DOORS FOR THE GOSPEL
Acts 9:42 says: “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.”
Dorcas's life became a platform through which people encountered the power of God.
When people experience genuine Christian love, they can see something different.
Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
6. GOD CAN REVIVE WHAT SEEMS DEAD
Dorcas was dead. The situation looked final. But Peter prayed. “Tabitha, arise.”
And she opened her eyes. “And he gave her his hand and lifted her up.” — Acts 9:41
Our God is still the God who raises what appears to be dead!
The God who raised Dorcas is still able to bring life where there appears to be death.
7. MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE TIME
Dorcas made an impact while she was alive. Don't wait until your funeral for people to discover your value. Start where you are. Start with what you have.
One act of obedience can become the beginning of a legacy.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
