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.

God desires to heal us, to set us free. – Steps to Christ, pg. 43
Darkness enshrouds the frail figure huddled in a corner of the
dank prison cell. Eyes like broken crystals wander up to the window,
scanning the words scratched in rude letters across the rusty bars:
fear, shame, worthless, rejection. But she has not yet surrendered to
captivity; she longs to be free. Summoning all her strength, she tries
again and again to scramble up the sheer walls, but in vain. Lying
on the musty floor in a crumpled heap of dejection, a tender voice
suddenly penetrates the void. “Do you want to be free?” the Man
asks. Hope illuminates her shattered eyes as He hands her a golden
key and places her before the window. Grasping the lock, she inserts
the key and twists. As the gate swings open, she tremblingly steps
through. Scintillating sunlight cascades over her face. Before her lies
infinite fields of possibility—no iron walls, no boundaries, no limits. She
is free!
For a while she basks in her newfound freedom. But one day,
overwhelmed by fear and blinded by pain, she retreats to the gate
of the dungeon, feeling it would be safer than the outside world. In a
moment of utter hopelessness, she throws herself into the clammy
darkness below. With an ominous click, the window locks behind her.
At first, she does feel safe, but disillusionment soon returns.
Again, she tries to scale the walls, but to no avail. Finally, she
remembers the Man who gave her the key. She starts to call His
name, but hesitates. Would He help her out yet again? Cowering on
the floor, shame envelopes her. It is her own fault she is once again
trapped.
Just when all hope has vanished, she hears that soft
voice again. Reluctantly raising her eyes, she sees Him there with
outstretched hand. “Daughter, don’t be ashamed,” He gently comforts.
“Never be afraid to call My name. I will never leave you alone in
despair. You are My treasure and always will be.”