Dare to Be Like Anna

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Monday, October 26, 2026

Today's Text: Luke 2:36-38

Key Verses: Luke 2:37 (KJV) — "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."

We can be grateful for doctor Luke for revealing a devout woman who lived in the temple, by the name Anna. She was a prophetess who devoted her life to worship, fasting, and prayer. After seven years of marriage, she became a widow, but her loss did not diminish her devotion. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus into the temple, Anna recognized Him as the long-awaited Redeemer, gave thanks to God, and proclaimed Him to those who were waiting for Jerusalem's redemption. While others saw an infant, Anna recognized the fulfilment of God's promise. Her story teaches us that years of faithful waiting are never wasted when spent in God's presence. Dare to be Anna, who gives thanks to God and proclaimed Him to those awaiting redemption. While others saw a baby, Anna recognized God's promise fulfilled. Her life teaches us that faithful waiting is never wasted. Dare to be Anna!

Anna teaches us that a life devoted to God is never wasted. Though widowhood could have embittered her, she chose worship over worry and devotion over despair. She remained faithful when nobody was applauding her. Today, many desire public recognition without private consecration, influence without intimacy, and celebration without preparation. Anna reminds us that a life of public impact must be rooted in private devotion. Anna reminds us that public impact begins with private devotion. Never despise your hidden seasons of prayer; God sees your faithfulness. Dare to be Anna!

Anna also teaches us to wait with expectation. Despite the passing years, she remained spiritually alert and recognized Jesus when He appeared. Delay can make some people cynical, but it can make others more dependent on God. Never allow the length of your waiting to destroy the strength of your faith. God's answers may come in unexpected ways and at moments you cannot predict, but your responsibility is to remain spiritually alert. Do not become so discouraged by what has not happened that you become blind to what God is doing. Like Anna, we must remain ready to recognize His visitation. Keep praying, trusting, and worshipping. Dare to be Anna, who waited faithfully and recognized the Redeemer!

This old woman did not keep her revelation to herself. She spoke about Jesus to everyone awaiting redemption. Her encounter became a testimony, and her gratitude became a message of hope. Though advanced in years, she remained useful in God's hands. She understood that discovering Christ carries the responsibility of making Him known. You do not need a grand platform to proclaim a great Saviour. Your family, congregation, workplace, and community are places where your testimony can inspire hope. Do not allow your experiences of God's goodness to remain unspoken when others need encouragement. Anna reminds us that genuine encounters with Christ should produce lives that point others to Him. Dare to be Anna, whose encounter became a message of hope to others! Share your testimony, encourage the weary, and point others to Christ. Dare to be Anna, whose encounter became a witness!

Anna's story reminds us that true greatness is measured by faithfulness, not fame. Though Scripture records only a few details about her, her example continues to inspire generations. She lived to reveal Christ, not herself. Her legacy was built through devotion, discernment, gratitude, and witness. She did not seek to become the centre of attention; she pointed people to Jesus, the Redeemer of the world. One day or moment of prayer is great, but a lifetime of devotion builds a lasting testimony. Never underestimate the impact of a consistent life of faithfulness. May we be remembered not merely for what we accumulated, but for the Christ we revealed; not merely for how long we lived, but for how faithfully we served. Dare to be Anna, whose life of devotion still speaks today! May our lives likewise be remembered for our devotion to God and our impact on others. Dare to be Anna, whose faithfulness still speaks!

Action Steps: Spend time in prayer and worship today. Identify an area where you have been waiting on God, and renew your trust in Him. Ask for spiritual discernment, then share a testimony of God's goodness with someone who needs encouragement. Never consider yourself too young, too old, or too insignificant to serve God. Wait faithfully, recognize Christ, and proclaim Him boldly!

Quote for the Day: "A life spent waiting faithfully in God's presence is never wasted; when the appointed moment comes, devotion becomes discernment, encounter becomes testimony, and a hidden life becomes a lasting witness." — Simon Olatunji (#quotablequotes)

Let Us Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Anna's exemplary life of devotion and prayer. Help me remain faithful in seasons of waiting, discerning in moments of visitation, and courageous in sharing my testimony. Deliver me from discouragement and distraction. Let my life reveal Jesus and inspire others to seek You. May my devotion leave a lasting legacy for Your glory. In Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with me today. For further study, please read: Luke 2:22-38; Psalm 27:13-14; Psalm 84:1-4; Isaiah 40:31; Romans 12:11-12; Colossians 4:2; Hebrews 10:23.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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