Introduction

Newsflash! Learning to live for God doesn’t happen overnight. Nope, it’s a journey. Think about it—when you start out on a long road trip, more than likely your mom or dad has the trip mapped out. Well, your Christian life journey is mapped out, too—in the Bible. This amazing book is not just a bunch of “do this and don’t do that” lists. It’s the story of God’s love for you and how his Spirit living in you will guide, protect, love, forgive, and love you again.

Newsflash Two: There will be times in your Christian life when you fall flat on your face. Yep, everyone does. That’s because we’re all fighting our sinful hearts that want to do things our own way, not to mention fighting Satan who wants to keep us from obeying God. But every time we disobey God or just totally mess up, he lovingly helps us stand up and try again. That’s his grace in action—grace to forgive us over and over and help us learn from our failures and mistakes. Grace that teaches us. Grace that means he loves us.

What Does the Bible Say about That? will help you understand how God’s love and grace is part of your everyday life. Yep, it is right there in the center of the thoughts, actions, and experiences you have every single day. God cares about every part of your life—the highs and the lows. And he wants you to know that he is not just “called into your life” when you are thinking about him or in church or praying. He’s always with you. So, read what the Bible says about your thoughts, anger, family, friends, even homework (yes, God cares about homework). You’ll see that you’re not on this journey alone. God is right there with you, guiding, helping, and teaching—because he loves you!

1. ABANDONMENT

What Does the Bible Say About Abandonment?
Someone left . . . A parent walked away from the family or your best friend turned his back on you. It hurts when that happens—a lot. Does God care that you feel betrayed and left alone? Of course he cares. He promises never to leave you alone.

What the Bible Says

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
I will not leave you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:5