The Compass

The Compass

Bible Blast: Read Hebrews 12:12-17

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Do you know how to use a compass? It’s so cool because if you’re lost in the middle of the wilderness, a compass can help. How? If you hold it steady, the needle will always point north, which can be really helpful for finding your way back home. It works because the earth’s core is like a big magnet that causes the compass needle to point toward the North Pole.

God’s truth—like the North Pole—never changes. The truth in the Bible doesn’t disappear depending on your mood. God’s Word is like a compass to direct our behaviors and decisions.

But a compass doesn’t do any good unless you actually take it out of your backpack, look at it, and follow its direction. That’s the same with God’s Word. If you don’t study the Bible in your daily life, you won’t know the right way to go. James 1:22 says, “Don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

Just recently I felt like God wanted me to speak out against the actions of someone who’s really popular among tween girls but was doing some really uncool stuff in God’s eyes. I knew some people might not like it, but I went to God and said, “God, is this a ‘me thing’ or a ‘you thing’? I need you to tell me if this is okay.” Then I opened my Bible to have my devotional time, and staring back at me was Matthew 5:11: “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.” I knew then I had to do what was right, even if it meant some people wouldn’t like what I had to say.

There may be circumstances when God says he wants you to do something difficult. During those times, remember that God’s loving guidance will never point you in the wrong direction.

Girl Gab: Your assignment today is to find a compass! If you or your mom doesn’t have one, ask other family members if you can borrow one for a day. You can even go online and learn how to make one out of simple household objects. Some cars have a compass in them. Take some time learning how to use it. Try to figure out if your house is north, south, east, or west of your school or church. Be reminded that you aren’t alone when you make decisions.