Charted

What is Charted?

Like a master surveyor, Jesus gives us clear directions to find a fulfilling, purpose-filled relationship with Himself - a map to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Charted is a daily devotional written by the junior class at Fountainview Academy (Class of 2019). Based on the book Steps to Christ, this book explores the path to the Originator and Provider of Genuine Joy. We don't have to be confused about the way. The certainty is in the journey: divinely Charted.

We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together
to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. – Steps
to Christ, pg. 101
Squinting my eyes, I jumped out of the car into the hot
summer sun. Quickly lacing up my running shoes, my brother Everett
and I took off on our daily run along the beautiful Willamette River. As
we ran, sweat began dripping down my face. I started to wonder: Why
do I do this every day?
“How far have we run?” I panted.
Glancing down at his Apple Watch, Everett replied, “One mile
exactly.”
“Two point one miles to go,” I stated.
Speeding up, we ran out of the shade of the trees and across
a bridge to the other side of the river. While the sweat poured down my
face, I wondered again: Why do I do this? Ignoring these thoughts, I
kept putting one foot in front of the other as I ran side by side with my
brother.
“One more mile. We’ve got this,” my brother announced. With
new energy, knowing that we were almost done, we quickened our
pace yet again. “Point three miles to go!” my brother cheered, and with
that, we broke into a sprint. Feet pounding the cement, sweat dripped
from my face.
“Done!” he gasped as we slowed down. Easing my pace, the
feeling of having completed an exhilarating run surged through my
veins. This is why I do it.
My love for running isn’t all about the exhilarating surge at
the end. The time that I get to spend outdoors running with Everett,
the motivation of encouraging each other to go faster, and the joy of
hanging out with someone I love—this is what keeps me going. I am
so thankful for the wonderful family God has placed in my life to push
me forward.