What I've Learned From Anna

I would have love to have been a fly on the wall to watch Anna through her 84 years.  How she might have shared her pain of losing her husband, being single, and relying on others financially. To also see her share her joy, hope and security in Jesus Christ.

1. She didn't give up.
There have been times in my ministry that I have wanted to give up. Being on the road can get hard. You miss your friends, your church and your community. Sometimes churches cancel, leaving you without finances and resources. Sometimes you get lonely, sick and exhausted. But like Anna, I have also experienced many positives that far outweigh the negatives. I have met so many people who have encouraged me. I have also witnessed many come to Christ and recommit to him. Just think of Anna and how for at least 60 or more years she was able to share her faith with so many  people. God's timing is truly perfect. Think about it. If Christ had come the first day she was widowed, how many people would have never heard the message of salvation. We must never give up.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
— Hebrews 12:1-3

2. She did what God told her to do.
Anna was told by God what to do and she did it. How about you? Has God told you to do something but you are afraid? Lazy? Being disobedient? The blessings of being obedient far outweigh the blessings of staying safe.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.
— 1 Peter 4:10-11

3. She taught me about being strong.
Despite her husband's death, she exemplified that even in the worse of circumstances God is with us. She taught me that you can be used by God no matter who you are, what situation you're in – married or single, rich or poor.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;  your love, O LORD, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.
— Psalm 138:7-9