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.

But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really
are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose
knowledge is infinite… He can and will attend to our cry, and will let
light shine into our hearts. – Steps to Christ, pg. 97
Scufflings. Crackling branches. Shrill yapping. Fire ran through
Huntress’s veins as she growled at the lazy dark form that had dared
to trespass the backyard. The intruder ambled calmly on, pausing only
to shake its carpet of quills as a warning. My eyes frantically followed
the oblivious dog as she slowly advanced towards danger. My mind
whirled. She is so stupid!
“Huntress, come back!” I screamed into the darkness, hoping
to save her—but it was too late. Quills met fur as, in self-defense, the
porcupine swung his tail and smacked his pursuer square in the face.
Just like that, the fight ended before it had even begun. Gathering his
be-quilled dignity about him, the porcupine waddled peacefully away
into the shadows, ignoring the devastation left behind.
* * *
I glanced at my whimpering canine and sighed at the sight of
the quills embedded in her tongue and nose. Why didn’t she obey?
Shaking my head, I poised the pliers and patted her trembling side.
“Hold still, girl. I’m not done yet.”
As the scene of Huntress lying helplessly at my feet replays
through my mind, I see a mirror image of myself. I’ve chased after
things that have only brought me pain—I’ve run away from my only
source of safety. Covered in sin’s skewers, I am completely dependent
on God for relief. And although I am battered, bruised, and a sorry
sight, He willingly gathers His wayward child into His arms. One
by one, He carefully extracts the cruel spikes from my heart as He
whispers a promise in my ears: “I’m not done with you yet.”