Have you ever gone on a long journey? Maybe your family has taken a road trip that seemed to last forever, or maybe you’ve flown on a plane across the country or even to another part of the world. Long trips can be exciting, tiring, and even a little overwhelming.

But what if you had to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles… using only your body? No car, no plane, no boat—just you. Sounds tough, right? Well, there’s an insect that does exactly that! Can you guess what it is?

That’s right—the monarch butterfly! These fragile, lightweight creatures take one of the most incredible journeys in God’s creation. Today, we’re going to learn all about the monarch’s migration and discover three ways we can follow God’s plan for our own life journeys.

Free Monarch Migration Coloring Sheet

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This lesson is made possible by: Apologia curriculum — Explore Apologia’s award-winning science curriculum. And Christianbook — Point your child to God’s love and goodness with wholesome books, curriculum, toys, and gifts.

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Why Do Monarch Butterflies Migrate?

Monarch butterflies migrate to survive! During the colder months, monarchs in the United States and Canada fly thousands of miles south to warmer places like Mexico or California. There, they can stay safe, rest, and gather their strength before returning north in the spring.

Did you know other animals migrate, too? Birds like geese, whales, and even some kinds of fish make long trips for food or to have babies. But monarchs are special because they make their journey all on their own—without following parents or older butterflies.

How Do Monarch Butterflies Know When and Where to Go?

Here’s something amazing: monarch butterflies don’t have maps or GPS, but they know exactly where to go and when to leave! How? God created them with special instincts and tiny instructions written in their cells to guide them. Isn’t that incredible? They also use the position of the sun and stars and earth’s magnetic field to find their way.

This reminds me of how God also guides us on our life journey. He has a plan for each of us and gives us tools like His Word (the Bible), His Holy Spirit, and wise people in our lives to show us the way.

Do All Monarch Butterflies Migrate?

Have you heard the word “generation” before? A generation is a group of people or creatures born around the same time. For example, your grandparents, parents, and you are from three different generations.

Here’s something cool: not every generation of monarch butterflies migrates! It takes four generations of monarchs to complete their whole journey. Some butterflies stay in one place their whole lives, while others are born for the big migration.

The Bible talks about generations, too. Psalm 145:4 says, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” It’s important for God’s followers to pass on god’s truth and love to the next generation.

What Can Monarch Butterflies Teach Us About Following God?

When young monarchs begin their journey south, they don’t have parents to lead them. They follow the instructions God designed inside of them and set out on their path. That’s kind of like us as we grow up! We don’t always know where God is leading us, but we can trust His plan.

Here are three ways we can follow God’s plan on life’s journey:

Pray and ask God for guidance.
James 1:5 tells us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” Spending time in prayer helps us hear from God and follow His Spirit.

Ask for advice from wise people who love God.
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” Just like I asked for advice from church leaders before going on my first mission trip, you can ask wise adults for help when making big decisions.

Read and study God’s Word.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” The Bible gives us direction and helps us understand what God wants for us.

Trust God In Your Journey

The monarch butterfly’s migration is amazing, but so is the journey God has for you! Whether you’re discovering His plan right where you are or preparing for something big in the future, you can trust that God knows the way and will guide you every step.

Just like the monarchs, we’re all on a journey. And the best way to travel is by following God’s heart—not our own. So, what adventure might God be preparing you for?

Remember: ask for advice, read His Word, and pray. Then, step out in faith—God has a wonderful journey planned just for you!