Getting Good Advice

Bible Reading: Proverbs 12:15; Isaiah 9:6; James 1:5

Tears filled Derek’s eyes as he ran home from the field to hide in his room. He hadn’t gotten a hit for the last three games.

“What’s wrong, Derek?” Mom asked as he whizzed by. She followed him to his room and asked again.

Derek sniffed. “I strike out or walk every time I’m at bat.”

“Oh. I was never very good at baseball, but your father was. Why don’t you come down for supper and we’ll ask him for help.”

After supper, Derek and his father went outside to try a little batting. Derek tried to listen to his dad’s instructions, but he still missed.

“I have an idea,” said Dad. “Let’s set up a meeting with Coach Randall. He was my coach in college and helped train me.”

Coach Randall agreed and came over Saturday morning. He watched Derek bat a few times before saying anything. “The first thing to do is watch the pitcher, even if you’re not at bat,” he told Derek. “Pitchers get into habits. Watch him to see where most of his balls come from. Another tip is to stand comfortably by the plate.” Coach Randall demonstrated and then helped Derek do it too. “One more tip. If the ball hits the bat’s handle, your timing is off.”

Dad pitched balls while Coach Randall helped Derek. By the time they were through, Derek was hitting almost all the balls thrown.

In the game that afternoon, Derek made three hits that helped his team win. “I couldn’t have done it without Coach Randall’s help,” he told his dad.

“Yes, he gave you good counsel,” said Dad.

“What does counsel mean?” Derek asked.

“Counsel is advice or guidance you get from someone else—like a counselor. You know, the Bible says Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. Just like Coach Randall gave you good advice and helped you, we can go to Jesus anytime we have a problem and get good advice from Him. He loves us and will help us when we pray and seek His guidance.”

“I’m glad He’s always there to help us,” Derek said. “And I’m thankful for the good advice Coach Randall gave me too. Now I can look forward to our games!” – Bonnie Clarkson

How About You?

Who do you go to for advice? Parents, teachers, or friends may be able to help depending on the situation, but only Jesus can help you in every situation you face. He is always there to offer you wisdom and guidance. He may do that through a verse that speaks to your heart or a person He puts in your life. Bring your problems to Him in prayer and trust His good advice.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus is our Counselor