“We should name him Nemo,” I teased as we lowered our goldfish into our koi pond.

But then, there were those two cute dots on his tail…

“How about Duce?” my husband suggested.

“Perhaps Dos?” I countered.

And so, it was decided; his name would be Ducy-Dos. We were happy and so was our goldfish, but that changed the day of the accident. While we were cleaning the pond, Ducy-Dos tumbled into the pump housing. For weeks, I kept the pump lid off. I placed a net pondside, so I’d be able to take decisive action. After three months, I re-positioned the lid.

“Don’t give up so fast.” my husband encouraged.

“He’s not coming out of there!”

“But we prayed…”

My husband’s words echoed within me like a soft hammer. Why hadn’t I sighted our fish the first day we prayed? Besides, I should’ve been more careful positioning the pump lid.

But then, there was the lightning storm and subsequent power failure. When the pumps switched off, I raced to the edge of the pond to make sure they would start correctly when electricity was restored.  Listening to the thunder, I thought about Ducy-Dos. My husband’s words echoed in my heart, along with the scripture that nothing—absolutely nothing—is impossible for a holy God, “Nothing shall be impossible to you.” (Matthew 17:20b KJV) I Peter 2:9 KJV echoes the same sentiment. I should be able to “shew forth the praises of him who hath called… [me] …out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Ducy-Dos, if alive, was in the dark. But, wasn’t I as well? I truly surrendered Ducy-Dos to God, and trusted Him to give or take him at His will. I was at peace even as the rain pelted me, drenching my clothing through to my skin.

Nothing shall be impossible to you.

~Matthew 17:20b KJV

To my utter amazement, when the pumps re-started, a gulp of water and air and algae spouted skyward, and Ducy-Dos landed splat into my hands, which by reflex I grasped onto tightly.

“Ducy-Dos!” I cried, examining him as if he was a newborn babe. We renamed our goldfish Nemo and thanked God for this unusual answer to prayer.

Friends, never give up on something you’ve prayed about. God might surprise you by answering your unusual prayer. Surrender. Then praise God even when you’re experiencing the storms of life.

What is the prayer you’re believing God to make possible?

Thank You, God, that with You, all things are possible through prayer.

Amen.

Genre: Creative Non-fiction

Copyright 2019: Where’s Nemo?: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved

Published: March 2020: Christian Devotions Ministries: Managing Editor Martin Wiles: Executive Editor Cindy Sproles

Published: August 2020: Christian Broadcasting Network: Senior Producer Beth Patch

Published: January 2020: PresbyCan Daily Devotional: Submissions Editor Robin Ross