Recently, our pet duck, Larry, suffered a serious setback. He wasn't oiling up his feathers anymore, so he was no longer waterproof. We couldn't allow him to go in our pond because he might drown, but it was in the pond that he did his best preening. On top of that, he could hardly walk, and he was acting depressed. For years, everyone called Larry our "miracle duck." His breed only lives 6 to 8 years, at the most, but he surpassed that age a long time ago. This summer, he will be 22 years old.

As I began earnestly praying for God's wisdom on the basis of His promise in James 1:5, I basically put Larry "on the altar." I told the Lord that I wanted HIS will in the matter, not necessarily my own. I told Him that I knew without a doubt that He could extend Larry's life, and I asked Him to do that because it was the desire of my heart. BUT, I made it clear to the Lord that His will in the situation was what I wanted most of all.

As the days passed with Larry's health failing even more, Joe and I talked about asking the vet for something to put him out of his misery. Then, as I continued to pray for God's wisdom, He brought to mind something that a waterfowl rehabber told me many years ago when Larry first started having problems walking. She said to try giving Larry liquid avian vitamins to see if that would help. At the time, we took her advice, and we have been giving our ducks these vitamins all these years. But now, perhaps Larry needed a higher dose? As I began giving Larry extra vitamins every single day, Joe and I noticed that he was beginning to use his oil gland again. Each day that passed saw him becoming more and more waterproof all the time. We began putting him in the pond for a while each day, and he started preening his feathers all over his body. Being able to go in the pond again really lifted his spirits, and he is acting and walking better all the time.

I shudder to think of what a mistake we would have made if we had ended Larry's life prematurely, instead of seeking God's guidance. If you need some divine direction today, I encourage you to call upon the Lord for His wisdom. His answer may pleasantly surprise you!

Prayer: Lord, when I am facing a dilemma of any kind, please remind me of Your promise to show me Your will in the situation. Help me to set aside time to earnestly seek You without distractions. Guard me from the doubt and confusion that would lead me astray. Thank You that as I commit to seeking Your will and wisdom, You will lead me in the paths of peace, joy, and blessing!