by Victoria Heinecke

Temptation takes many forms.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

To say I have a sweet tooth would be an understatement. Favorite breakfasts of my youth included bowls of Cap’n Crunch or Sugar Smacks cereal. I could, and would, easily kill off a box of the sugar-coated delights in those days.

Now, I’m more mindful of sugar’s effects on my system and have learned to avoid the cereal aisle in the grocery store.

Imagine how big my eyes grew, seeing a mountain of Cap’n Crunch at Costco. It was on sale, too! It took a little more determination than usual to pass on the offer.

Temptation can take many forms, and the Enemy will look for an opportunity to take us down. He isn’t always scary looking – sometimes he speaks through a jolly sea captain and a bowl of sugar with artificial food coloring.

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.“
1 Peter 5:8b-9 New International Version

Jesus endured temptation from Satan during his ministry on earth. As if forty days in the desert wasn’t challenging enough, Satan tempted him in the worst way in Gethsemane. Jesus, fully God, knew how he was going to suffer physically as he went to the Cross. Jesus, fully man, struggled with what was to come, and even bargained with his Father – “if there is any other way to do this, make it so.”

There is an oft-quoted verse in Jeremiah about God’s plans for us, and it’s interesting what God told the prophet following the familiar passage.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope … Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14 New International Version

Our heavenly Father always listens to us, whether we realize it or not. Call on God, with all your heart, when temptation looms. He will find you. His plan for us is ultimately good.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado