Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
—Luke 2:36-38 NLT
Key Thought
Anna had lost her husband, but not her hope. She had lost the life of her dreams, but not the ability to dream. Life can be hard for most of us. Some people get hit with crushing wounds early in their journey. These wounds don't have to destroy their lives. While people may carry the memory and the scars through all of their years, God can be their sufficiency and strength, just as he was for Anna. Her walk with God stands up there with Elijah and Enoch. She found God sufficient for her needs and worthy of her praise. God gave her the delight of her life and an opportunity to do what the prophets had foretold — "Your sons and daughters will prophesy" (Joel 2:28). She was privileged to declare the arrival of the Messiah to everyone in the Temple. What a long wait! What a glorious conclusion! What an awesome privilege! Come to think of it, we have the privilege of declaring Jesus, too!
Today's Prayer
Father, I do not know what life will bring me, but please give me the faith to trust that you will be there to help me find my way through this life until I find the joy that awaits me in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 2:36-38 NLT
Key Thought
Anna had lost her husband, but not her hope. She had lost the life of her dreams, but not the ability to dream. Life can be hard for most of us. Some people get hit with crushing wounds early in their journey. These wounds don't have to destroy their lives. While people may carry the memory and the scars through all of their years, God can be their sufficiency and strength, just as he was for Anna. Her walk with God stands up there with Elijah and Enoch. She found God sufficient for her needs and worthy of her praise. God gave her the delight of her life and an opportunity to do what the prophets had foretold — "Your sons and daughters will prophesy" (Joel 2:28). She was privileged to declare the arrival of the Messiah to everyone in the Temple. What a long wait! What a glorious conclusion! What an awesome privilege! Come to think of it, we have the privilege of declaring Jesus, too!
Today's Prayer
Father, I do not know what life will bring me, but please give me the faith to trust that you will be there to help me find my way through this life until I find the joy that awaits me in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
