Sitting Duck

by Karla Smedley

How ignorant are we to simply sit stagnant, making us an easy target to be tempted by Satan? God’s Holy Word states no one is immune to the temptations of Satan, and yet, we often sit still, like a duck waiting for the hunter to take his shot. Will you sit like a dumb duck, or will you take action and protect yourself?

Take A Page from Dobson’s Book

Have you ever read a line that sticks with you forever? I gleaned one such thought that has resonated with me for over twenty years. In James Dobson’s book, Coming Home: Timeless Wisdom, he creates the image of a couple sitting on a lake in separate row boats. As the title indicates, he shares wise words, hoping the reader will apply them to his/her own life. He draws the picture of the separate boats drifting apart because neither of the rowers are willing to put in the effort to move toward one another—just sitting like ducks with a target on their backs. While motionless, Satan will tempt them, and if they act upon these temptations, they will actually shift further away in the opposite direction. He suggests that both are in control of their boat and should pursue action, intentionally rowing to one another.

Applying to My Relationship with God

What a wonderful comparison for a stagnant marriage. However, couldn’t this be said about our relationship with God? God does pursue us. In the book of Matthew, he shares the parable that Jesus told concerning the shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine, seeking to gather the one sheep that is lost! Yes, God would row towards me while I chase after a temptation that Satan has baited me with. Sometimes, I fall for his methods: hook, line, and sinker. More often though,

I find myself just sitting there like that ignorant duck resisting Satan’s blatant temptations, but making no movement toward God. Thus, I drift away from Him whenever Satan tosses a pebble, one of his less subtle allures, in the pond, causing me to drift with the ripples. When I give in to his coaxing, my boat weighs more, producing increased difficulties in managing the oars to draw closer to Him.

The Good News

There is a way to find my way back to God. Dump the contents of my sin out of my boat, and turn toward Him.

• Ask for forgiveness and repent

• Know that God forgives as far as the East is to the West

• Remember God loves me

• Pray, asking God to help me feel His presence

• Read His word and seek His wise ways

• Apply this wisdom to my life, overcoming my consequences

• Learn from my mistakes and strive to live like Jesus more each day

Ditch that sitting duck attitude and migrate towards the Lord. You will be surprised by the peace you will find when you cultivate your relationship, rowing toward God every day.