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.

And to all eternity men may be ever searching, ever learning, and yet
never exhaust the treasures of His wisdom, His goodness, and His
power. – Steps to Christ, pg. 109
“I found gold!” Peter announced excitedly.
“What? Already?” I questioned. How could that be possible?
We just got here and have only been panning for a few minutes.
Unsure of his claim, I followed him up to where our teacher stood; I
wanted to investigate the truth for myself. I watched the shimmering
speck of gold as he agitated the water. It didn’t move. I almost couldn’t
believe it; it really was gold! If he can find gold, maybe I can too.
Clumsily, I stumbled over the sharp rocks as I made my way to
the river’s edge. I desperately tried to keep the water from sloshing out
of the pan, which I was certain held a treasure worth keeping. Without
warning, my foot slipped on the mossy rock. Risking my own safety, I
carefully cradled my concealed gold. Still stumbling, I managed to right
myself twice. Eventually, though, I had to give in to the pull of gravity,
and I landed straight on my right knee. A sudden bolt of pain shot up
my leg, then disappeared without a trace as adrenaline took over.
“Are you okay?” Catarina anxiously inquired, a nervous smile
beginning to spread across her face.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I replied while trying to hold in my bubbling
laughter. But then I saw it: a crimson trickle. Faster and faster it
coursed down my leg. A feeling of shame slowly took over. Quickly, I
began to wash out the wound. I had hoped that would somehow take
away the blood flow, but it didn’t.
Maneuvering my body as I entered the car, I tried to bend my
knee, but the pain only increased. We were headed to the hospital. My
adrenaline slowly faded away, the pain becoming almost unbearable.
Clutching the cushion of my seat, the irony of the situation struck me: I
had tried to hold onto something that I thought was valuable, but it only
cost me unbearable pain and loss.
I prayed, “Lord, please give me the strength to give up the
misleading treasures I’m wrongly holding onto. Instead, I want to
desire the true treasure you plan to give me.”