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Listen while you read: "O Could I Speak The Matchless Worth"1 (Lyrics) |
Genesis 12:1 – 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." (NIV)
The Tarahne is an historical boat in dry dock on the shores of Atlin Lake in the town of Atlin, British Columbia, Canada.
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 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 promises to Abram. 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 have also changed. She still entertains tourists regularly. She just doesn't sail upon the water to do so. Marriages, photographic sessions, fundraisers, 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 into something glorious for us, as well as for His kingdom, promises such as:
Exodus 14:14 – The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (NIV)
Isaiah 40:31 – 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. (NIV)
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11 – "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." (NIV)
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (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 Your Spirit within us, our service to Your kingdom and our inner joy may continue to be a blessing to You as well as to everyone around us. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.
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You are a blessing. Have a wonderful day.
Great post filled with lots of wisdom and hope! Thanks and blessings Lynne!
Again such a wonderful devotion that keep me happy and hopeful. Thanks. Have a blessed day.
Thank you, Lynne, for your encouragement. This subject has been part of my conversation with our Lord lately.
Thank you, Lynne. Such encouraging words for the changing scenes of life.
Blessings.
Lynne, thank you. After stepping down from a long term physically active leadership role I felt a bit disoriented and kinda “sitting on a shelf”. .God has shown me new and different ways to serve Him that are less physically demanding and are more quiet and slower paced.
Many thanks Lynne for another of your special and very encouraging devotionals. Yes there are so many ways we can be useful through different stages in our lives and we have the assurance of our loving Lord guiding us through whatever we may encounter. Blessings for these mindful writings you prepare and may you enjoy a delightful day.
Hardly need to tell you how much this meant to me.
Today, I am meeting in person with my Bible Study friends (first time since Pandemic) to pray for a family, as well as our health. A real blessing to have such a supportive group.
Bless you, Lynne, for this meditation.
The Exodus quote was new to me!
Hello my friend!
Thank you. That boat sounds interesting. Just had a thought… good to think about as I get older… still have purpose different from before as a married woman but now as a widow, God still can use me. Wow!!! I read your devotional this morning and the thought did not hit me until this moment. Thank you, God. I really like your choice of scripture verses.
Trusting God that things are going well for you.
God bless.
Thanks Lynne. This devotion is quite timely, as I have been giving consideration to making a change in my life which would require a resignation from a volunteer position. This change comes with some guilty feelings on my part, as I always feel like I am letting someone down. However, I do feel led to make a change, and your devotion today comes as an added sign. Like the good ship Tarahne, it is time to pull in to dock, and move on to something else.
You have a knack for being right on! Thank you!
(On)
Hi Lynne
Thank you for your uplifting and encouraging devotion this morning. Your messages always bring hope and inspiration to those who read them.
Remembering the devastating fire that happened a few months ago in your town of Atlin.
I remember it was the post office and a hardware store. Has either building been able to be repaired or replaced? I know it would be extremely cold where you live and maybe too difficult to achieve with winter conditions. Praying for you and your community. The Lord’s blessings to you.
Good morning, Lynne,
This is a great message of the importance of change in our lives. I am always amazed how you take something in your life and make it a great devotional for us to ponder on and learn.
I looked up The Tarahne on the internet and learned a little more about the changes it went through. I was amazed that they could cut it in half and add 41 more feet. They showed pictures of the original boat and the adjusted one. It has a very interesting history as you mentioned and is still got a wonderful purpose. I believe we all need a purpose however different it becomes over the year.
Thanks for sharing in your own special way. Blessings.
Hello: I enjoy your devotionals and can recognize your writing before I look to see who the author is.
I found today’s devotional particularly meaningful. I am a middle senior – in my mid-seventies. I often wonder how much time I have left and if it will be enough to complete the work I feel called to do. Already I have found physical limitations to what I can reasonably do. I realize that I will not live long enough to save the world, nor can I do it alone. So I try to be a mentor to the generations coming after me. I still work part-time in a nursing home as their chaplain and I try to encourage my residents to be the best that they can be – today.
Thank you for your encouraging words today.
Blessings.
Thank you, Lynne.
As I look back on my life, I can see the truth of your thoughts. Thanks!
Thanks, Lynne for such an interesting story from Atlin. May we all learn from life’s changes.
Lynne, I read this devotion yesterday and read it again today. As always, such timely words for all of us. We have had a couple of pastors leave our fellowship for other ministries and even though we dislike seeing them leave, God has prepared other ministries for each of them. I am printing a copy for a friend because this is exactly what we were talking about before I even read your devotion. I love when the Lord does that! Blessings on you and all your critters!