The Story of Anna

Luke 2:36-38

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The story of Anna is one of faith, devotion, patience, and commitment to God. Although not much is written about Anna, we can learn valuable lessons from her life. Her story may be brief, but it is powerful!

Luke refers to Anna as a prophet whose father was Penuel from the tribe of Asher. Anna was married for only seven years before becoming a widow. However, her purpose in life did not end after her husband's death. Recognizing God's presence and purpose, Anna drew closer to God by remaining in the temple for the rest of her life, devoting herself to fasting and prayer while waiting on the promise of the Messiah.

Anna’s life teaches us about the importance of faith. Although she experienced challenges, hardships, and trials at a young age, she remained faithful to God. She spent her life serving God and His people in the temple. Her faithfulness did not go unnoticed. Anna’s unwavering faith in God's promise helped her remain steadfast and unmovable. Her story teaches us the importance of staying connected and committed to serving God, regardless of circumstances. Are there any more Annas?

Anna’s life demonstrates the importance of devotion. She didn’t spend her time looking for another husband, but in service and dedication to God. She devoted herself to fasting, prayer, and worshipping God. Anna’s story teaches us the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all others. There is joy and fulfillment in devoting one’s life to God. Are there any more Annas?

Anna’s life also teaches us the importance of patience. She waited decades to see God's fulfillment of the Messiah manifest in her life. She never lost hope even though the promise tarried. I’m reminded of two passages of scripture that encourage us to wait on God: Psalms 40:1, “I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry; and Psalms 27:14, which says. "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." How many of us would have given up after a few years? Waiting on God demonstrates our trust in Him. Sometimes, we just have to wait!

Anna’s life can be summed up by saying that she had faith to wait on God and remained devoted and committed to serving Him despite the delayed promise. She chose to be a servant of God throughout her life, despite experiencing great loss, never losing hope or becoming weary. God rewarded her faithfulness when she saw the baby Jesus. She recognized who He was immediately because her life was spent in His presence. Are there any more Annas?

Through Anna’s life, we learn the importance of faith, devotion, patience, and commitment to God. Let us follow her example by becoming more faithful in our devotion to the Lord Jesus and prioritizing time spent with Him in our lives, just like Anna.


Elder Shirley Freeman