Peter preached the gospel so others might come to know Jesus. 

Scripture: Acts 9:31-43 

Central Truth

Periods of peace are like breaths of fresh air: They give us a moment to recenter and allow God to rejuvenate us. We can draw on these seasons of peace when we walk through struggles later, but we can also know God’s presence is with us during peace and persecution. We can have hope in the truth that we have everlasting peace with Christ in heaven.

Key Question

What effect did Dorcas’s restoration have on the community?

Keep in Mind

Verse 42 says Dorcas’s healing had a massive impact, leading many to Christ. While our students may not have experienced literally being raised from the dead, those who believe in Christ have been brought from spiritual death to life in Him. They’ve already experienced a form of resurrection! Imagine being physically brought back to life—everyone around you would know it. But truly, everyone should also know when we’ve experienced being made new creations in Jesus through faith in Him (2 Cor. 5:17). It’s just as much of a miracle. 

APPLICATION

When have you struggled to believe God can restore you?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Maybe we’ve have read stories in Scripture of how people are healed and thought it just wasn’t possible for us. Maybe we struggle with something physical, or maybe our struggle is mental or emotional. We can know this: God cares deeply. And if Jesus can raise people from physical death—if He can raise from the grave—then He has power over anything we encounter. 

FOR THE LEADER: Even when our own healing doesn’t come immediately or here on earth, God walks with us and enables us to endure all things. Our faith in these times can even lead others to spiritual restoration.