What She centered her life around ...

Have you ever wondered why special opportunities come to certain women? A job promotion, a ministry opportunity, an elevated leadership role, or even a business venture. When we see our sisters attain success or obtain special favor and blessings, in our minds, we may try to retrace their steps. Like, how did she do that? Maybe she followed a specific formula, received insider information, had a significant relationship with the individual/organization that facilitated her promotion. And when it happens for a woman we least expect, we can begin to wonder how they got selected for the opportunity.

“And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity” (Luke 2:36, KJV).

Enter Anna, a prophetess and a widow chosen for a special opportunity with God’s promised Messiah. In a few powerful verses, Scripture shares her story and an encounter with the infant Christ that was uniquely significant.

What characterized her life leading up that moment underscores a path that few are willing to follow. She was focused. Not on the negative experiences of a long widowhood or the limitations of her economic/social status. Anna’s focus was on worshipping God and serving others as she lived at the temple. She was faithful. Occupied with prayer and fasting, she cultivated a strong, intimate relationship with the Father. Anna was committed to God and deliberately engaged in activity that drew her closer to His heart.

“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37, KJV).

She was filled with wonder. Instead of allowing her relationship with God to become mundane, routine, or ordinary, her passion for the Lord was continually growing in the decades she waited at the temple. Anna’s unwillingness to become stagnated by what could be considered very difficult circumstances prepared her for that special day when Mary and Joseph entered the holy city with Baby Jesus.

“And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38, KJV).

The truth of the matter is opportunity is always knocking – whether to further your professional career, gain traction in your business, achieve a personal goal, or most importantly dig deeper into your relationship with God. But how many times as leadHERs have we allowed life’s challenges to dictate how we choose to live each moment?

Anna’s story invites us to live in anticipation of the unique, special, and extraordinary opportunities that God has reserved for those who are ready to receive them. To cultivate a life that is focused on what’s most important to God, to faithfully serve in whatever capacity we are in, and to continually fan the flames of a passionate and purposeful life.

CONSIDERATION – Your frustrations and challenges should not determine the course of your life.

CONCENTRATION – Your focus will remain laser-sharp as you continually direct your attention to God’s love and purpose.

CULTIVATION – Your faith-filled perspective and faithfulness to God will pave the path to His victory and success.

COMMITMENT - Your formula for the life you desire most and the life that pleases God is found in passionate pursuit of His presence.

LeadHERs, my prayer for you today is that you will refocus your life on God’s purpose. As you live in anticipation of what He desires to accomplish in the earth, may you experience His power and glory as never before. Remember that pursuing His kingdom and righteousness opens the door to all that He has in store for you!

Your Sister in LeadHERship,

Dr. Margaret R. Frye

Want to learn more about Anna? Find it in Luke 2:36-38

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