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.

He loves me, and wills not that I should perish. I have a compassionate
heavenly Father; and although I have abused His love, though the
blessings He has given me have been squandered, I will arise, and go
to my Father. – Steps to Christ, pp. 53
Red, blue, white, gold, and silver colored the night sky. The
vibrant fireworks were the perfect distraction for the attempted murder
that night. There I was, sitting on the concrete driveway, gazing at the
night sky. I was completely mesmerized and enchanted by the colored
fire, with not a worry on my mind for the mortality of someone so
incredibly dear to me.
It was New Year’s Eve as I sat in anxious anticipation of the
return of my parents. They had left the house on a mission to bring
back fireworks for midnight. When they arrived, I was utterly overjoyed
to see beautiful, cylindrical cardboard cases containing nothing but the
purest form of joy: fireworks. That night ended up being spectacular,
and the biggest contrast to the day that would follow.
In the morning, my parents told me something that terrorized
my mind completely. The night prior, before my parents entered the
house, my dad had decided to back up the truck. However, in doing
so, Suki, my oblivious puppy who was also enthralled at their arrival,
got hit and run over by the massive vehicle. I was speechless. I felt as
if I, myself had been run over. Sadness filled my heart as I imagined
my sweet, fluffy companion crying for help as she was crushed under
the ponderous weight. My angst and desperation took over me as I
hesitated to ask the most important question: Is she alive? Will I ever
see her again? Before I could speak, my dad rapidly assured me
that she had survived with a shattered pelvis and internal bleeding.
However, the veterinarian advised us to put her to sleep, because she
would probably never run again.
Before the accident, I never thought twice about the things in
life I loved. I never experienced the fragility of life so dangerously close
to me. I pleaded for a miracle, and God listened. He gave me Suki and
restored her health to what it was before. Seeing her able to continue
chasing after cars and stealing food from barbeques on her daily
escapades shows me what God can do.