Anna was a prophetess who was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. Her husband had died after they had been married for only 7 years. She lived as a widow in the Temple to 84 years old. Anna never left the Temple, but stayed there day and night, worshiping God by fasting and prayer. She was in the Temple just as Simeon was talking to Mary and Joseph and she began praising God because she recognized the baby Jesus as the long awaited Messiah....and she talked about the baby to everyone!!!
Anna possessed great wisdom. She was willing to wait with HOPE and endurance for what she had been prophesying to come true. It was God's perfect timing that Anna walked into the Temple at exactly the time that Mary and Joseph were there with the baby Jesus....just what she had been hoping for. Anna had been serving in the Temple for over 75 years. During this time, she served God by sharing her faith and after she saw the long awaited Messiah, she told others about Him.
Conclusion:
We can learn so much from Anna. She can teach us that often we have to wait with patience on what God has in store for us....but during that time, we need to continue to believe in His promises and to serve Him.
Also...God can use all of us....no matter our age!!!
Until next week!!!
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!
p.s...I realize that Anna is a NT woman and we've been talking about OT....but I felt led to talk about her a bit this week!!!
Being just a few years away from 50 I am grateful that God is still willing to use me! Great post :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna never left the Temple, but stayed there day and night, worshiping God by fasting and prayer. She was in the Temple just as Simeon was talking to Mary and Joseph and she began praising God because she recognized the baby Jesus as the long awaited Messiah
ReplyDeleteWow Deb, this is good! The LORD has shown me just now if we would be as Anna, staying before the Lord in prayer and fasting we too will live a life of praise due to our recognizing Jesus in our lives in each situation, or circumstance. He is always there we just fail to see him and it may be due to our lack of commitment to pray and fast! Awesome ! It is the fasting and prayer that enables our eyes of understanding to see and know! WOW thanks Deb!
Wonderful post! Thanks Deb!
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My friend named her little girl Anna after this woman. She seem like a wonderful woman and as always, I love your conclusion.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I've so missed you! I've had company since last week and have three busy grandsons crawling and running all over the house. Don't get to see them but once a year or so. I love this story and have always admired Anna.
ReplyDeleteMy DIL, Amanda, Marine son's wife, and I watched a TV version of Esther last night that was so wonderful!
Thanks for sharing examples of Godly women with us. And thanks for all your lovely comments.
xo
Donna @ Comin' Home