A GATOR WALKS INOT A BAGEL SHOP AND...

A surprise customer crept through the back door of a North Carolina bagel shop and casually strolled through the store. Surveillance cameras captured a three-foot alligator entering Bagel Dock Express through the open back door, then meandering through the kitchen to the front of the store. Fortunately, the store was closed at the time.

Store owner Jesse Driscoll called 911, and the unwanted guest was carted away by Animal Protective Services. Driscoll told local news, “Never in a million years did I think I’d see an alligator.” He later added, “Apparently, word of our fresh bagels has made its way into the swamp.” (UPI.com/Odd news/Nov 3 2026)

As amusing as the incident was, it reminds me of how Satan sneaks into our lives. We don’t always recognize the danger until it’s already inside. James 1: 14 states, “We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us.”

Perhaps we allow resentment toward someone to take root and sour our minds. Other times we place ourselves in tempting situations. The old gator—I mean serpent—dangles his bait in front of us and lures us away.

Consider Peter. On the final night of Christ’s life, Jesus warned Peter he would deny him. Peter emphatically rejected that possibility. But a few hours later he was weeping uncontrollably, after denying three times that he even knew Jesus (Mark 14:29-31).

Satan loves to attack our weaknesses, but can also exploit our strengths. Like Peter, we trust in our own strengths and brag, “I could never do that!” Only to discover we are capable of more than we imagined.

What’s the solution? Stay close to Jesus. Give others permission to speak words of warning and correction into your life. And when necessary, flee from temptation. After all, if you spotted a gator in a bagel shop, you wouldn’t stop and admire its teeth!

Ponder:

•         Where might you be vulnerable to Satan’s subtle temptations right now?

•         What practical steps can you take to strengthen yourself in the Lord?

Pursue: For a deeper dive, study James 1:13-18.

Heavenly father, I know that I’m vulnerable to Satan’s subtle attacks, through thoughts, words, and actions. Open my eyes that I might especially see your truth during those times.

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Photo courtesy of WWAY TV3