A Lesson From the Life of Anna the Prophetess

Anna was a prophetess who was devoted to worshipping God. The Bible tells us she spent her days in the temple fasting and praying. Among the few prophetesses in the Bible, we’re first introduced to Anna in Luke chapter 2, as she bore witness to Mary and Joseph’s baby Jesus being God’s promised Messiah.

“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 (NIV)

Anna had gone through several challenges in life, but still, she spent her time serving God. When difficult times come, do you forget God? Do you still serve Him with as much fervor as you do when the going is good? Difficult times for God’s children are only stepping stones to promotions. Your dark days are preparing you for better days.

In 1 Peter chapter 1, the Apostle Peter explains the importance of maintaining our faith through our darkest days. He talks about an unperishable inheritance in Christ Jesus waiting for us in heaven, and also admonishes us to remain faithful through the trials and tribulations of life.

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater

worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Tests and trials come in different forms and everyone will experience them. You’ll go through obstacles, but God’s word promises that you’ll never go through them alone. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).

At eighty-four years old, Anna was a widow who was sold out for God. Notwithstanding the hard times she had endured, she dedicated her life to her heavenly Father. The world is facing one of its biggest crisis yet. How will you come out on the other side? Hopeless, complaining, or still strong in the faith?

You may have lost so much this year, but don’t lose hope. What the enemy stole, you will recover. God will repay you for the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). He will give you new doors of opportunity, but you must, like Anna, maintain your relationship with Him. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and

that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

No matter what the enemy tries to make you believe, your best days are in front of you. The road ahead might look rough but know that there’s an Anna in the body of Christ praying for you. Strong winds will blow, but because your foundation is rooted in Christ, you will not be moved. Give thanks to God.