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.

When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we
ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer
our prayers… When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are
to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come,
and we shall receive the blessing we need most… Then do not fear to
trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your
prayers. – Steps to Christ, pg. 96
Engaged in my personal struggles, I forgot everything I knew
about prayer. I forgot how many prayers were answered in my prayer
experiment with Hana. Satan was using everything he could to keep
me away from my Heavenly Father. I did not see it coming—it was like
a lightning bolt. It happened so fast, but I soon realized that I was in
the pit that I had been in a while back, sinking down once again.
When I found myself alone thinking, negative thoughts
overtook my mind. The pain coming from the wrong things I had done
in the past was unbearable. I couldn’t forgive myself, and I didn’t feel
good enough to deserve any kind of forgiveness. I was unredeemable.
Things started to get out of my control, and I knew if I didn’t seek help,
I would do something irrevocable.
Then someone arrived on the scene and changed everything.
Let me tell you a little about Bailey. She had a hard family
life and still struggles with the aftermath of some painful experiences
she had growing up. Life has not always been easy on her, but even
through the hard times she clings to her Heavenly Father.
She knows He is always there for her, even when she can’t
see or feel Him. She loves Him with a passion that I long to have.
When life gets hard, she turns to the promises that her Heavenly
Father has given her in His word. She is faithful to Him no matter what.
I am not saying that she is perfect; sometimes she doubts herself, but
even then, she is faithful to something: prayer.
Bailey really got me thinking again: What is prayer? What is so
important about this insignificant ritual? Is it the missing key?