Praise God for the example of Anna, whose name means ‘grace’. Harboring no resentment against God for her early widowhood, she sought a new life in loving service and worship to her Lord. In effect, He became her husband. How logical then that He reveal to her His Son. Those who are in constant communion with God never fail to recognize Him in any form.

Anna, who perhaps had no children of her own, was privileged to cuddle the Son of her Lord. Imagine the joy as the revelation of the babe as the Messiah, the Savior of the world, burst upon her. He Who had been promised and desired for centuries had come! She was almost beside herself with excitement as she began sharing with those she knew were awaiting His coming that He was now here!

Are you unmarried or widowed? Don’t allow self-pity or resentment to bury the beautiful calling of Christ on your life. You can have a very special relationship with the Most High God. He will endue you with a unique covering of grace. “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. The shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood will be remembered no more, for your Creator will be your husband. The Lord of Hosts is His name. He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.” Isa.54:4,5 LB

Rx: Love children but have an empty nest? Offer your services at a child care center; take in a foster child; volunteer in a orphanage or children’s ward at a hospital. You can experience loving hundreds of children.

Widowed and a little lonely? Visit the sick, read to the blind, open your home for a Bible study, volunteer for charity work… Ask God today to show you where your services are needed. Be flexible. What you think you might not be suited for may turn out to be the biggest blessing.

“External religious worship (religion as it is expressed in outward acts) that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: To visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.” James 1:27 Amp.