A little boy was visiting his grandparents on their farm. Grandpa made him a slingshot to play with and showed him how to use it. He practiced out back in the woods, but he could never hit the target.

He was getting a little discouraged, so he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back, he saw Grandma’s pet duck. Just out of impulse, he put a rock in the slingshot and let it fly. To his surprise, he hit the duck square in the head and killed it.

He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, but his sister was watching and saw what he had done. She said nothing. After lunch that day,
Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.” But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.” Then she whispered to Johnny, “Remember the duck?” So, Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing,  and Grandma said, “I’m sorry, I need Sally to help make supper.” But Sally just smiled and said, “Well, Johnny told me he wanted to help.” She whispered to Johnny again, “Remember the duck?”

So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally’s, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma gave him a big hug and said, “Sweetheart, I know. I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgive you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally control you.”

What have you done that the devil keeps throwing up in your face? Lying, fear, hatred, unforgiveness, bitterness, whatever it is, you need to know that God saw the whole thing. He loves you and is willing to forgive you. How long will you let the devil make a slave of you? God knows all you have done in life. Confess your sins to God. He will forgive you if you ask Him. Then go and sin no more. Remember the duck.