Luke 2: 36–38 (NKJV)
“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 fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem”.
We as women and daughters of the King of Kings can learn a thing or two from this story.
This woman had been gifted and had a calling upon her life. She was a prophetess. Lesson to be learnt - each one of us is gifted and have a calling and wonderful destiny upon our lives. She was of great age and was a widow. Lesson to be learnt - our age or marital status has no bearing on what God can do with us. Your age or marital status should never be a barrier to serving God.
This passage of scripture tells us this woman did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers. Amazing!!! So it means we can serve God in His house in so many diverse ways. No service to God is insignificant, too small, or two big. We are not limited in the ways we can serve Him. So if you have bought into the lie that says I am too old so I have nothing to give, I am a widow so what can I do, I am divorced so I am of no use, I am single so no one will listen, I have no gift, I have nothing to give, I have no time, no one likes me. Please do away with all these lies, because that is what they are, absolute lies.
This woman served God day and night. Her fastings and prayers were all for one thing, to see the Kingdom of God come. This was the priority of her life and she was rewarded for her service. God spared her life so she could behold His salvation – the Messiah. Even at her old age she was still available to be used, thanking God and being a witness. What a woman!
Daughter of the King, you and I have no excuse not to serve God, None at all. Even if it means serving in His house with “fastings and prayers night and day”.
2017 presents you with a new opportunity to make yourself available and say I want to serve the Lord in His house, here I am Lord, use me in whichever you want to, I am available.