(By Kim)
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38
Anna’s story wraps up in just three Scriptures in the Bible, but what a powerful testimony her life was! Here is why I believe every woman (and of course men too!) should remember Anna:
Anna was a prophetess
Anna will remind you that you have a calling on your life. Anna was living at that time and in that season for a purpose. Similarly you are here in this world not by chance or by mistake. You are here because God in His wisdom positioned you for this season and for a specific reason. Come on, you better not give up, let up or shut up until you start walking in your purpose.
Anna was a widow and she was old
Anna will remind you that you are God’s workmanship and your calling doesn’t depend on who you are, but to whom you belong. You may be beyond your age; You may be broken; You may have a past; You may not have much ‘talent’, You may be abandoned and left all alone –but it DOESN’T matter because as long as you are available for God, He will make you able.
Anna never left the temple
Anna will remind you that your breakthrough will come only by being in the presence of God. Anna’s biggest tragedy became a launch pad for her to meet her creator. While she had a chance to grumble or complain night and day, she chose to worship instead. There sure must be visitors to the temple who made fun of her or called her a ‘false prophetess’, but Anna’s focus remain undeterred. She chose to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and not to the voice of the world.
Anna’s life was a life of prayer
Anna will remind you that for children of God, waiting isn’t a passive period. The word ‘waiting’ in Hebrew is Quava, which means to be inter-twined or bind like a rope. As Anna waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise in her life, she fasted and sought the Lord in prayer. She was one with God and His Word. Waiting is getting alone with God. It is being in constant communion with Him in prayer. It is earnestly seeking His will. It is being thankful.
Anna was a witness
Anna will remind you to look beyond your circumstances and witness to a world that is lost and desperate to hear the good news. Never be ashamed to share the gospel for the gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all those who believe (Romans 1:16).
Anna in Hebrew means ‘Grace’
Finally, Anna will remind you that you are a product of God’s grace. God’s grace is unchanging, remaining and new every morning. It is more than enough for you! You are held by His grace and it is His grace that will see you through in every test of your life.
What have you learned from Anna? Anything you want to add?