Why Anna?
Luke 2:36-38
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord (Jesus) and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Emphasis mine)
This blog page is called Anna and is designated for the topic of purpose.
Specifically, Women of Purpose.
What a wonderful woman of God to name this blog topic after!
According to Swiatocho (2022), Anna lived a life committed to God, persevering, trusting, courageous, and patient.
Anna fasted, prayed, and heard from God, living a seemingly quiet life, and she endured to the end. Anna witnessed what only a few have, and she is remembered in the annals of Biblical history.
What was she remembered for?
Did she
1. Help produce success for her husband?
2. Clothe her family in Versace perfection?
3. Feed the poor home-cooked Rachel Ray recipes?
4. Flip-this-House for a profit?
5. Did her children call her blessed?
No, that was the Proverbs 31 woman.
Did she
1. Make Jesus and the disciples food to eat?
2. Provide a safe place for Jesus and his disciples to stay?
No, that was Mary and Martha.
Did she
1. Sit under a palm tree while giving all of Israel advice?
2. Help generals to win a war?
No, that was Deborah.
No.
Anna is known for:
1. Fasting and praying.
2. Speaking the words of God as He gave them to her.
3. Seeking God day and night in the temple.
4. Living a life reliant on God as a widow.
And then-
She witnessed the Savior. She was able to recognize the Savior of the World as an infant.
What did she do?
She fulfilled her identity and purpose by knowing God.
Even though we will highlight, discuss, and describe mighty women of Godly purpose in the blog, including ourselves, let us remember the blog's namesake, Anna, and how she fulfilled her purpose in the temple by knowing God.
Though the purpose for each of us will likely be different:
-Teacher
-Grocery Clerk
-Pastor
-Nurse
-Doctor
-Writer
-Worship leader
-Business women
-Marketplace worker
- Editor
-Stay-at-home mom
-Waitress
-Flight attendant
The list is endless, with possibilities that the LORD will have anyone of us to do.
Whatever it is, remember Anna.
How she fulfilled her purpose in the temple, knowing God.
-Gabriella Diaz