NOT a Proverbs 31 Woman

Faithfulness, Testimony, and Serving Others

Scripture: Acts 9:36–43; Psalm 66:1–7
Sermon Date: May 10, 2026
Preacher: Rev. Vicki Cater
Occasion: Mother’s Day Worship

Introduction

Many Mother’s Day sermons focus on the Proverbs 31 woman — a picture of wisdom, strength, diligence, generosity, and faithfulness.

But for many women, wives, mothers, caregivers, and servants, Proverbs 31 can feel overwhelming. Instead of encouragement, it can sometimes feel like a standard no one can fully live up to.

In this message, Rev. Vicki Cater invited us to look at another woman in Scripture: Tabitha, also called Dorcas.

She was not introduced as perfect.

She was introduced as a disciple.

Her life reminds us that faithful discipleship is not about perfection. It is about living for Christ in everyday life.

Grounded in Scripture

Acts 9:36 introduces Tabitha, also called Dorcas:

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.”
— Acts 9:36, NASB

Tabitha’s name means “beautiful,” but her beauty was not mainly about outward appearance. Her beauty was seen in her character, compassion, and service.

She made clothing for widows and people in need. Her good deeds were not done for attention. They were evidence of her faith in Jesus.

When she died, the believers mourned deeply. They showed Peter the garments she had made. Her ministry had left visible evidence behind.

Her faith had touched real people.

What We Learn from Tabitha

1. Faithfulness Is Not About Perfection

Tabitha was not remembered because she lived up to an impossible ideal.

She was remembered because she lived faithfully.

She used what she had.
She served where she was.
She cared for people in need.
She allowed her life to become a testimony.

Faithfulness does not require perfection. It requires a willing heart.

2. Service Becomes Testimony

Tabitha served Jesus by serving others.

Her good deeds were motivated by her love for Christ. The widows and believers who mourned her death had personally experienced her kindness.

Her ministry was practical:
clothing, care, compassion, presence, generosity.

She reminds us that testimony is not only spoken. Sometimes testimony is sewn, served, shared, carried, cooked, prayed, or offered quietly.

3. The Church Is Changed by Compassion

Rev. Vicki reminded us that because of Tabitha’s life, the church began to change.

They moved beyond simply helping people.

They became truly concerned for people.

That is an important difference. Helping can sometimes be a task. Caring comes from love.

The Holy Spirit forms the church into a people who not only meet needs, but also see people, love people, and walk with people.

4. Every Believer Has a Story

Rev. Vicki connected Tabitha’s story to Walk to Emmaus weekends. During those weekends, many talks are shared. People may not remember every detail of every talk, but they often remember the personal stories.

Stories stay with us.

A testimony helps someone else see how God works in real life.

We all have a story.
We all have a testimony.
We all have ways God has worked in us and through us.

Psalm 66 says:

“Come and see the works of God.”
— Psalm 66:5, NASB

When we share what God has done, we invite others to come and see.

5. Use the Gifts God Has Given You

1 Peter 4:10 reminds us:

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.”
— 1 Peter 4:10, NASB

Many people say, “I can’t.”

“I can’t teach.”
“I can’t speak.”
“I can’t lead.”
“I don’t have a gift.”

But Rev. Vicki encouraged us to ask trusted friends what gifts they see in us.

Sometimes others can see God’s gifts in us before we can see them in ourselves.

The question is not, “Do I have a gift?”

The question is, “How can I use what God has given me to serve others?”

Reasons We Believe

We believe God still works through ordinary people because Scripture shows us again and again that God uses willing hearts.

Tabitha was not famous. She was faithful.

Her compassion became a witness. Her ministry helped the church fulfill its calling. Her life pointed people toward Jesus.

Acts 9 tells us that because of what God did through her story, many believed in the Lord.

The Holy Spirit still works in and through the Church today.

Obedience in Action

This week, consider one way you can live out your faith through service.

You might:

• Encourage someone who is grieving or lonely
• Write a note or make a phone call
• Serve in a ministry of the church
• Help meet a practical need
• Share part of your testimony
• Ask a trusted friend what gifts they see in you
• Use one gift this week to bless someone else

Faith becomes visible when love becomes action.

Walk It Out

Ask yourself:

What part of Tabitha’s story speaks to me most?

Do I sometimes feel discouraged because I compare myself to impossible expectations?

What gifts has God placed in my life?

What gifts do other people see in me?

How can I serve Jesus by serving others this week?

Who might need to hear part of my story?

TRUTH – REASON – CHANGE

Truth:
God uses ordinary people who faithfully serve others.

Reason:
Tabitha’s kindness, compassion, and testimony pointed others toward Jesus and helped shape the life of the church.

Change:
Use your gifts, testimony, and compassion to bless others and reflect the love of Christ in everyday life.

GROW Framework

Ground in Scripture

Acts 9 shows us Tabitha, a disciple known for good works and acts of charity. Psalm 66 calls us to tell what God has done.

Reasons We Believe

God works through ordinary people, practical service, and personal testimony to reveal His love.

Obedience in Action

Use your gifts to serve someone else this week.

Walk It Out

Let your faith become visible through compassion, kindness, and service.

Closing Reflection

Tabitha was not remembered for being perfect.

She was remembered because she loved well.

She served faithfully.
She cared deeply.
She used what she had.
She lived her faith in her community.

And through her story, many believed.

The same Holy Spirit still works through the Church today.

Your story matters.
Your gifts matter.
Your service matters.
Your testimony matters.

Come and see what God can do through ordinary people with faithful hearts.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the witness of Tabitha.
Thank You for reminding us that discipleship is not about perfection, but about faithful love.
Help us see the gifts You have placed in our lives.
Teach us to serve others with compassion and humility.
Use our stories, our kindness, and our daily obedience to point people toward Jesus.
Amen.

Related Pages and Resources

Worship
Learn more about worship at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

Grow & Learn
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Christian Living
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Stories of Faith
Read testimonies of God’s grace, hope, healing, service, and faithfulness.

Prayer & Encouragement
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Walk to Emmaus at Pleasant Grove UMC
Learn more about the Walk to Emmaus movement and how it encourages spiritual renewal, discipleship, and Christian community.

Worship Practices
Learn more about Holy Communion, Baptism, prayer, music, and other practices of Christian worship.