December 20, 2007

Anna, woman of faith

Luke 2:36-38 (HCSB) ³⁶ There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. ³⁸ At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna spent time seeking God. I mean she spent a lot of time seeking God. She did what most of us cannot. She devoted her life to it. She was serving God night and day. When she saw what was happening with Simeon and Jesus, she knew God was there. When God revealed Himself in the form of Jesus, she recognized Him. We need to be so close to God that when he reveals His plan and His ways we will recognize them immediately.

Here’s some questions to think about regarding Anna and us:

- How old do you think she was?

- How long are you willing to wait for God to answer your prayers?

- Are we ready for His answer when it comes?

- What would we sacrifice to serve Him? (Anna did not leave the temple complex for a long time!)

Pray: Dear God, help me to be aware of how you are working around me every day! Amen.

Sing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”