With Great Expectation // A 4 Part Advent Series

Week 4 // Carrying Testimony

Written by Keli Miller

“Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.” -Luke 2:36-38 Message 

This is the testimony of a woman who was keenly attentive to the words of God and the moves of his spirit.  Anna, the prophetess  was in the temple when Simeon recognized the Messiah and immediately began praising God for his faithfulness. 

When we read about widows in the bible we often read about their loss, and need for assistance. When we read about Anna though we hear a different story. This is a woman who was focused on God. Without any other distractions, she gave her life to him serving in the temple. As a woman who was allowed to live at the temple, we know that she must have been of great character. 

Our testimonies are made up of promises received and also realized. 

The stories we carry of God’s faithfulness require attentiveness on our part. Though she experienced loss, Anna kept her eyes focused on the Lord’s promises and was therefore quick to see Christ and recognize him as so. 

In her fasting and praying, Anna was feasting on the promises of God.  Verse 38, reads that she immediately sang praise and shared about Christ to those who were awaiting redemption. In the years of Israel’s waiting, Anna was not one who forgot the prophetic words telling of God’s plan for redemption. She awaited it and longed for it. And through her attentiveness to God’s spirit was able to recognize and declare his faithfulness quickly.

Each of our lives is a testimony of God’s faithfulness. There is this false narrative in Christian subculture that some testimonies can be boring. There is nothing boring about the redemption of a life committed to Christ.  

So, remember this and recognize it today- All along God has been with you writing testimonies of his faithfulness. 

After all he is Immanuel. 

God with us. 


Reflection:

Because Anna remembered the promises God had spoken she was able to recognize and sing of his faithfulness at the sight of Jesus. Anna was focused on recognizing and declaring the testimonies of God. 

Spend the next few moments remembering and declaring God’s faithfulness. Reflect on times when God has blessed, provided for or rescued you. Remember the promises he has spoken over your life. Praise him for his faithfulness.

Prayer:

God you are faithful to all your promises.

The author of all redemption, you have been making things new from the beginning of time. Even today there are promises that we are awaiting. We focus on your word and remember your promises. Always looking for where we can sing of your testimony.

You are the Immanuel that God with us through it all. Amen.