Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

How long is a rope? What an interesting question. At face value there is no way to answer this question without more context. How long is a rope for belaying a rock climber? It's not the same length that you would want to tie down your boat. The question isn’t simply about the rope’s length. The question is about what it's needed for. This was the response that the president of a non-profit disaster relief agency gave to a potential donor when asked "How much do you need?” It’s not your typical response but I think it captures something important. Most causes that are in need don’t have a limit to their need. They will take everything they can get. The use for each gift is never ending and only limited by the amount. To this president he couldn’t answer how much was needed but he could say that there is a need. If you look around the world today you will find that you cannot estimate how much is needed. Despite this you can see that there is a desperate need in our world. If you are tracking along you may be asking yourself, “How long is my rope?” “What was my rope made for?” “Do I even have a rope?” I genuinely believe that God has equipped everyone with their own rope, He has provided for it and all He asks now is to be generous with that gift. Don’t believe me just yet? Keep on reading, Dorcas would agree with me. 

How long is my rope? 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

“I’m at the end of my rope” What an interesting turn of phrase. This phrase is normally said when you feel like you’ve exhausted all that you have. There is nothing else to give. It’s not uncommon for people to feel this way. You can feel this way at work, school, in your personal life or anywhere really. Studies have shown that most people will go through a period of life known as burnout. What do you do then? How can you give of yourself when you feel like there is nothing left to give? The Psalmist in Psalm 73 may have been feeling this burnout. Their solution? Turn to God. When their flesh is failing and their heart is giving out they turn to God who made their body, who made their heart. 

What was my rope made for? 

I’ve kept you in suspense long enough. Who is Dorcas? Great question! Dorcas or Tabitha, was an amazing giver. We read her story in the book of Acts chapter 9. Tragically the first thing we know of her is that she has died. However, we then learn that she had an incredible impact on those around her. When she dies the brothers and sisters around her are distraught and seek out Peter who is in a nearby city. They urge him to come to her. When Peter gets there he is shown the legacy of Dorcas. The bible tells us that when he arrived “All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” Wow! We don’t know what words accompanied this. All we know is that the widows around were so impacted by Dorcas’s giving that they wanted Peter to see her legacy. Dorcas found what her rope was made for. She was gifted in creating and giving clothes to the widows in need.

Do I even have a rope? 

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7

I cannot sow. I cannot design clothing. I don’t have the gift (rope) for providing in the way Dorcas did. That however does not mean that I am ropeless (giftless). Each of us is given a gift. Paul tells us about this in 1 Corinthians 12. Each of us is given a gift from the Holy Spirit to support others. These gifts are powerful, meaningful gifts. What strikes me about these gifts is that Paul is very clear that they are to be used for “the common good”. Dorcas knew this! The people around her saw that she was not selfish with her gift. She probably could have made a good living off of her abilities and maybe she did. But we know that for those in need she was there. I believe that Dorcas knew how to use her rope. 

After Peter was shown the things Dorcas has made he went into the room she was laying. He prayed to God. We don’t know what was said in that prayer but we do know that God saw fit to bring Dorcas back. Peter tells her to get up and she opens her eyes like any other morning. Peter took her out to the widows and all who were mourning. I am sure there was a great celebration in that house. Verse 42 tells us “This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” Why would so many people be turned to the Lord through this action? Wouldn’t people doubt that she was actually dead? I believe its because people knew Dorcas. Dorcas’s life was one of service and compassion. The people knew the loss of one such as this and to have her back was something only God could sustain. 

God is interested in showing you how to use your rope. He is interested in providing for you and He has invested everything He has into you. How will you respond?