Perseverance in Faithfulness
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 31 2025 | Luke 2:33-38
KEY VERSE: “There was also a prophet, Anna… She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:36-37, NIV)
MESSAGE:
Simeon shows us that a life anchored in God’s promise can come to rest in peace when Christ is revealed. Anna, however, teaches us that a life anchored in perseverance continues in faithful witness. Her story invites us to pause and reflect, especially as the year draws to a close. Anna’s life is a powerful testimony to perseverance in faithfulness.
Widowed early and advanced in years, Anna remained devoted to God through decades of worship, fasting, and prayer. Though unnoticed by society, she was fully known by God. Her faith was not shaped by changing seasons but sustained through them. Anna’s story assures us that God honours long obedience carried out in quiet places. As the year closes, her life calls us to consider not how quickly time has passed, but how faithfully we have walked with God. Anna teaches us three vital truths:
Faithfulness Is Sustained Over Time. Anna did not serve God for a season; she served Him for a lifetime. Her perseverance reminds us that genuine faith is not measured by brief moments of enthusiasm but by consistent devotion over many years. Faithfulness that endures reflects a heart anchored in God, even when circumstances change.
Perseverance Positions Us for Divine Encounter. Luke tells us that Anna arrived “at that very moment.” Her spiritual disciplines kept her attentive and ready. Perseverance shaped her awareness. Those who remain faithful over time are often positioned to recognise God’s work when it unfolds quietly and unexpectedly.
Faithfulness Produces Fruitful Witness. When Anna recognised the Christ, she gave thanks to God and spoke to all who were looking forward to redemption about the child. Perseverance did not lead her into spiritual exhaustion but into joyful testimony. A life steadily offered to God becomes a vessel for witness when His promises are fulfilled.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
As this year draws to a close, reflect on the places where perseverance has been difficult and faithfulness has felt unnoticed. Like Anna, choose to remain devoted to God beyond seasons of ease or recognition. Bring the year’s unfinished prayers, quiet obedience, and long-standing commitments before Him. Close the year by recommitting your life, worship, and witness to God, trusting that steadfast faith prepares you to recognise His work and testify to His salvation in the days ahead.
PRAYER:
Faithful God, thank You for sustaining me through this year. Strengthen my heart to remain steadfast in worship and obedience. As I step into a new year, keep me faithful, attentive, and ready to witness Your work. I place the days ahead in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: NEVER The phrase ouk aphístēmi is the Greek expression for never in Luke 2:37, meaning “not to withdraw,” “not to depart,” or “not to abandon one’s post.” Luke uses this phrase to describe Anna’s enduring posture of worship, fasting, and prayer. It reflects spiritual steadfastness that endures over many years. Her perseverance prepared her to recognise God’s saving work when Christ appeared.
Reflect on this:
A faith that remains steady develops spiritual clarity. As this year comes to an end, where is God inviting you to remain faithful and present in devotion, trusting that perseverance prepares you to recognise His work?
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