The Tarahne

"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.'" (Genesis 12:1 NIV)

The Tarahne is an historical boat in dry dock on the shores of Atlin Lake in the town of Atlin British Columbia.

Once upon a time she sailed upon the waters of the lake, full of tourists and being useful as she delivered goods to the town's people.

Now however she sits in dry dock, her times of sailing upon the waters is over. Her usefulness however is not.

When God called Abram to leave his country, his people and his father's household to go to another land, He also made Abram promises. The usefulness that Abram had experienced in the land of his father had not come to an end; it just changed according to God's plan.

Likewise the Tarahne's location and usefulness has also changed. She still entertains tourists regularly. She just doesn't sail upon the water to do so. Marriages, photographic sessions, fund raisers and historical talks all take place upon her decks. Even though her life's circumstances have changed her usefulness continues and will continue for many years yet to come.

The same goes for us. Our lives are constantly in flux. God places us in one position of usefulness but then much like Abram He may call us to something new. Our health, our job, our family, our finances change and with any one of these changes our position of usefulness changes as well. But with these upheavals also come God's promises which when we trust and lean upon them will change our new situation in something glorious for us as well as for His kingdom:

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14 NIV)

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5 NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 NIV)

Prayer: Father God, our lives are at Your disposal. Bless us with the strength and attitude of Your servant Abram to follow as You call, knowing that with You beside us our service to the Kingdom and our inner joy may continue to be a blessing to You as well as everyone around us. In Christ's name we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phepps
Atlin, B.C.