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.

Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and
think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. – Steps to Christ, pg. 72
I stood cautiously at the edge, my toes hanging precariously
over the treacherous cliff. My balance threatened to give way as I
stared down at the inky water far below. Damp hair clung to my back
and face as my shivering form took in the frightening reality: I had to
jump. My friend had already leaped off casually at least five times,
each time assuring me that I would not die. Of course, this information
gave me no comfort. It had looked so easy from below, but once I had
eagerly scaled the cliff and scanned the view from my new and lofty
vantage point, my perspective had completely changed. I stood in
silent terror contemplating the situation.
Eight years old, and somehow I was still determined to jump
off a dangerously high cliff into uncertain waters. Tensing at the edge,
the hardest step was the first. Finally, I closed my eyes and, without
thinking, jumped into the depths of the “waters of doom.”
What made me do it? How did I physically push myself off
that cliff? Well, I had one advantage. My friend had already jumped
so many times and returned unscathed. All I had to do was trust his
judgment, or perhaps his luck.
There is something I have noticed about this experience. Right
before I jump, every single time, without fail, a split-second thought
runs through my head which forces me to pull back momentarily:
“What if..." My mind goes from daring mode straight to panic mode. At
this point, there is only one way I can physically jump from the cliff. I
must let go, stop over-thinking it, and simply trust.
Jesus is holding out His arms to me, gently inviting me to
jump. Being willing to trust Him is all it takes.