Chuck the Duck
This devotional was written by Linda Vujnov
Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations… —Ephesians 3:20
Warren isn’t a particularly friendly dog. After witnessing her acts of rage against the entryway rug and the DVD cases, I decided to keep my distance. My dog-sitting duty was minimal, but I wore steel-toe boots and boxing gloves when I fed her just in case. The impending danger was too great.
After spending time with Warren, I understood why our neighbor’s daughter asked her parents for a pet duck in addition to their dog. Her desire for a friendlier option made sense; however, I’m not sure a duck would be a step up or realistic. People who live in a city don’t typically take ducks as pets. Ducks eat snails and score amazingly low in the “snuggling” category.
In spite of her parents’ “no” she prayed every night, trusting that God would deliver her a pet duck.
One day while attending her brother’s high school baseball game, the young girl wandered through the adjoining field looking for dandelions and happened upon an egg among the grasses. She gently lifted the egg and took it to her parents who were sitting in the bleachers. Since their curiosity was voracious, they took the egg home, did some research, and discovered that the egg was derived from a duck. After incubating the egg for a few days at the proper temperature, a bill and feathers began to emerge. After 24 hours, the budding life broke through the egg and Charles Knightly (Chuck the duck) emerged. The young girl’s prayer was answered with a “yes!”
Removing barriers and obstacles takes time. Dealing with stubborn humans takes time. Orchestrating the universe takes time. God answers prayers. He knows what’s best for our lives. Sometimes He answers with a “yes,” sometimes with a “no,” and sometimes with a “wait.”
I’ve learned that when I stop clenching my fists and let God work, He works. When I trust Him and remove doubt from my thinking, He works.
Although we aren’t always convinced that we love God’s answers, we can have peace knowing that His will is best for our lives. He will do more than we even asked for or imagined—like placing a duck egg in an empty field for a wandering girl to find.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What can you surrender to God right now, knowing that He is faithful and gracious to answer prayers?
2. Why is it often difficult to trust that God knows what is best for our lives?
FURTHER READING:
2 Chronicles 30:27; Psalm 17:6
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