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“She (Anna) did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” Luke 2:37b (ESV)

Have to admit it is easier to give up than to press through. Yes, we’ve all been there when trials, challenges and uncertainties totally left us caving into fears. Moments when the chapters we would have never written unfold right before our eyes. Tough days often leave us feeling powerless and vulnerable in the wake of the unknowns. The white flag of surrender (giving up) feels sweeter than the pursuit of victory.

What does it take for you to give up – cave in and not fight through? We all have our perceived limits of what we can endure, but in the wake of such days do we attempt to let go or hold on tight to our Mighty God?

Anna was a prophetess who enjoyed the wonder of seven years of marriage with her man. What she thought would last forever evaporated way too soon and she (now a widow) found herself faced with a decision. The same decision we often face. On the brink of sorrow, disappointment and uncertainty will we remain faithful to our God or quietly bow out?
Easy out is to allow our challenges to overwhelm us, depress us and empty us until we see no alternative. More convenient to just live in self pity recounting the good ole days rather than clamoring for hope. Perhaps we’ve all been there when life just didn’t deliver what we expected and staying the course was simply too painful.

Anna could have easily regulated herself to a grief-filled life. She could have dismissed herself in the days when mourning rushes in like a mighty wave, but she didn’t. This bold, courageous woman chose instead to hold on to her God who was greater than her sorrow. Anna spent her life devoted to her God worshipping, fasting and praying in the temple the rest of her life. And the sweetest blessing ever, she got to meet the Christ child – isn’t that just like our God to reward those who faithfully serve Him?

Lots of things can happen which could convince us things will never get better. We have a choice – we can either trust our God for the unknowns or we can simply exist caving into the fears. We can keep serving faithfully or we can give up. The choice is up to each of us – let’s choose well. Let’s claim God’s promises and zero in on His character – the Overcomer – nothing is too hard for Him!

“Father, we can get lost in the media and statistics facing us right now. Help us to act wisely, take precautions and live in victory knowing You are still in control.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life