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.

Many are inquiring, “How am I to make the surrender of myself to
God?” You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral
power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of
sin… You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and
to do according to His good pleasure. – Steps to Christ pg. 47
Aaaaaaaggghhh! My brain screamed as I endured the intense
battle raging in my intestines. Incriminating bellows echoed from my
stomach, translating my internal struggle into public embarrassment,
and I was obliged to regurgitate my tale of misery more than once.
* * *
One lunch hour at a homeschool co-op, a student tempted me
with an Oreo cookie. Abandoning resistance, I summoned an internal
celebration.
“What are we waiting for?” my brain screeched.
“According to my research, we’re not waiting at all,” my eyes
observed as my hand moved out to grasp the circle of sweetness.
“We should be more temperate,” Self-control finally chimed in.
“But I want it!” My tongue interrupted.
“I don’t know…” Self-control stammered, losing balance.
“I sure do,” my mouth flatly stated before commanding my
sugar-laden hand: “Bring it home!” With my teeth opened wide, I sent
the Oreo gliding into my awaiting esophagus.
“Toothpaste!” my mouth screamed. I was the victim of a prank:
someone had filled that Oreo with toothpaste, and my willpower had
not been strong enough to resist the temptation.
Vanquishing temptation is impossible—alone. Only God can
do it, and only I can let Him. Only in following His will can I find power
to resist the sugar-coated temptations that the Devil offers me.