The Lesson of the Wounded Duck
A Hunting Trip That Taught Truth
Years ago, a wealthy man and his hired hand Sam went duck hunting. During their journey, a wheel rim came loose. As Sam hammered it back into place, he accidentally struck his finger and cried out in pain with some harsh words. Immediately remorseful, he fell to his knees asking God’s forgiveness. “Lord,” he prayed, “it’s so hard to live the Christian life sometimes.”
The rich man observed this and remarked, “Sam, I know you’re a Christian, but why do you struggle so much? I’m an atheist, and I don’t have problems like that.”
A Moment of Divine Revelation
At that moment, two ducks flew overhead. The man fired twice, then shouted to Sam, “Leave the dead one – go after the wounded bird!”
Sam suddenly understood. Pointing at the injured duck fighting to escape, he said, “Now I see! You think my faith is weak because I struggle, but that struggle means I’m alive, fighting against the devil. You, boss? You’re like that dead duck – no struggle at all.”
The Biblical Parallel
This powerful illustration echoes Paul’s words in Romans 7:14-25 about the inner conflict between spirit and flesh. The very struggle we experience as believers confirms God’s work in our lives. Though we stumble, forgiveness is ours through Christ. As the saying goes: Dead ducks don’t struggle.
“Struggle, yes, it’s part of living
Nothing’s gained on beds of ease;
But when our heart is set on Jesus,
Struggle drives us to our knees.”
– D. De Haan
The Promise of Victory
For those in Christ, the battle with sin is evidence of spiritual life. Though we may falter, we have this assurance: when Jesus lives within us, sin need not defeat us. Our struggles drive us to depend more fully on His grace and power.
