Here’s another woman that we read about in the Bible who is transformed by God’s grace – Anna, the widow.
John 6:35 NKJV
[35] And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
Ana’s husband died early in their marriage, seven years after they were married – the Bible doesn’t tell us how old she was when her husband died. It does tell us how old she was when she met baby Jesus. You will find her story in the gospel of Luke, chapter 2, reading verses 22 to 38.
Ana was 84 years old when she met baby Jesus in the temple. Seeing and meeting baby Jesus was an answered prayer for Anna, and she knew straight away that she had seen the Redeemer 🙏. She gave thanks to God and shared her good news with everyone who looked for redemption.
Luke 2:36-38 NKJV
[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; [37] and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. [38] And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Anna’s story reminds me of the power of prayers. God hears yours and mine, our prayers – even if it takes eight decades to answer. God’s grace transcends age, race, colour, religion, time etc – there is no discrimination in God’s family.
God’s favour is upon everyone – all mankind – whether you are a believer or not. What we have to do is to open up our minds, eyes, ears, and hearts to recognise God for who He is and not what He can or can not do for us 🙏
We are all sinners, not worthy of His grace. Jesus’ redeeming act of sacrifice, dying on the cross and rising to life on the third day, gives us a pathway back to God. Yes, Jesus is the only way back to God.
Anna knew the instant she met baby Jesus and recognised Him for who He is – the great Redeemer 🙏
Jesus Christ is the bread of life – we need Him in our lives. We must accept Him as our Saviour and Redeemer, to enter God’s kingdom. There is no other way, my friends. Through Christ alone, we are dead to sin and evil, for He defeated all at the cross ✝️ 🙏
What can we learn from this widow’s life? We must pray at all times, worship God, and ask for wisdom to be able to recognise His favour, to trust and obey Him, to accept His favour, and use it for His purposes. When we understand that God’s favour is for everyone, we will find it easy to be generous and share with others.
Psalms 37:5-6 NIV
[5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: [6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
To God be the glory always 🙏❤️
Idau Hahine 