I like the story about a slightly overweight business man who decided it was time to lose some weight. He was serious about his diet, and so he decided to avoid his favorite bakery.
However, one morning he came to work with a coffee cake. His co-worker observed that he had broken his diet. He responded with, "Wait a minute. I can explain. This cake is very special. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and I could see several coffee cakes in the window, so I prayed, ‘Lord, if you want me to have one of those delicious coffee cakes, then open a parking space directly in front of the bakery.’ And sure enough, the eighth time around the block, there it was."
The story makes us smile, but temptation is very serious.
The Tempter is not truthful. He never is. He breaks promises. He never delivers what he offers. He never tells us the whole story. In fact, Jesus called him "the father of all lies." (John 8:44)
Are you facing temptation today? Let me suggest reading a story in the New Testament, Matthew 4: 1-11, the story of Jesus being tempted by the devil. Is victory over temptation possible? The answer according to holy scripture is that victory is possible. Jesus showed us the way.
I like what Martin Luther said in the 16th century, "When temptation knocks at the door, I ask Christ to answer it."
Is temptation knocking at your door today? Why not ask Christ to answer it?