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.

If we will but listen, God's created works will teach us precious lessons
of obedience and trust. – Steps to Christ, pg. 85
Adrenaline pulsed through my veins, and dust filled the
suffocating air as the world around me spun out of control. Sweat and
dirt clung to his caked mane, which I held onto for dear life.
Only a few moments earlier, Danny and I were taking a
leisurely ride around the arena. Today marked the day of my first
horse lesson. The horse chosen for me was a chestnut bay, Danny,
whose height dramatically dwarfed mine. I could hardly contain my
excitement. Finally, I could live out my dream and canter off gracefully
into the sunset, right? Wrong! I found out that on my first lesson I
would not learn how to canter or gallop. My instructor made sure to
emphasize this point excessively before I even mounted my horse. If
only she knew how wrong she was.
I spent the next fifteen minutes of my life in drop-dead
boredom, walking the horse and constantly correcting my posture as
the instructor yelled at me to “sit up” and “push your heels down.” I
was about ready to give up my horse-riding career when suddenly she
exclaimed that I was going to learn how to trot. Dreading the lecture
surely awaiting, I was shocked to hear: “Just kick the horse and hold
on!” Blinking in surprise, I kicked Danny briskly into a panicked trot.
Suddenly all training I had previously acquired plummeted out the
window. My perfect posture altered to the position of a haggard old
lady as I slouched forward, gripping Danny’s mane for dear life. In an
instant the horse was galloping out of control. From across the arena, I
heard my instructor’s screams clearly: “Sit up! Put your heels down!”
However, sitting up was the last thing on my mind. As I gripped
Danny’s mane for dear life, she yelled the same phrase, only this time
I reluctantly obeyed. Instantly, Danny slowed to a trot, then to a walk.
Heaving a sigh of relief, my heart rate slowly returned to normal.
In dangerous situations, we often forget that instant obedience
saves us from possible harm or even death. If we always strive to
obey our Heavenly Instructor, we will be eternally safe.