We understand that you're seeking God's will in regards of helping you take a vacation to a specific hotel that has sentimental value to you, and that you wish to do something kind with wood ducks involved. We can understand how painful childhood experiences can shape our desires and memories. However, it's important to ensure that our hearts are aligned with God's will and that our actions, including how we spend our money, do so as well.
Firstly, we want to remind you that God cares about every detail of our lives, including our desires and dreams. However, we must also remember that our primary purpose is to serve and glorify Him in all that we do.
In Philippians 4:6 WEB it says, Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Also, in Romans 12:2 WEB it says, Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
We encourage you to seek God's face and ask Him to reveal His will for you in this situation. Perhaps there are other ways He would like you to use your resources to bring Him glory and further His kingdom.
Regarding your desire to buy wood ducks and donate them to a zoo, we should consider the principles of stewardship and caring for God's creation. It's important to ensure that any actions we take with wildlife are in accordance with local laws and ethical guidelines.
Matthew 6:26-33 WEB is a good section to consider. Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they? 'Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith? 'Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Let's pray together:
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You, lifting up our brother/sister in Christ. We thank You for Your love and care for us, and we ask that You reveal Your will to usn’t. We are human and we cannot think as You think, but oh God grant us a portion of wisdom as we seek Your perfect will. We pray that You guide our steps and order our activities. We ask that You heal any past hurts and memories that may be influencing our decisions today. Help us to be good stewards of the resources You've entrusted to us. May we make decisions based on Your will. May our desires be Yours.
Lord, we know that it is only by Your name that we can approach God the Father. We also know that it is only by faith in Your finished work at the cross that we can be saved. We ask that You draw our friend closer to You and grant them faith in Your holy name.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Please consider these words carefully and prayerfully. May God guide you and grant you peace.