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 Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity to
Himself by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save
the choice of man himself. – Steps to Christ, pg. 72
“Good boy, good boy…”
Carefully concealing the ointment bottle behind my back, I
tentatively held out my hand towards the furious whirlwind and took
a step forward. Apparently, this pacifying gesture wasn’t enough. An
evil glint in his eye, the assertive ram backed up. The charging bullet
seemed to approach me in slow motion. Oh, no! Oh, no! In a splitsecond,
I was flat on the ground with the wind knocked out of me. As
my eyelids fluttered open, all I knew was that somewhere at the far
end of the pasture, a detestable creature was laughing.
I slowly stood up and glared at the animal. Gathering up the
bottle and gauze that had been scattered all over the grass, I stalked
back to the gate, keeping an eye on the disgusted ram. With a snort
and a shake of his head, he backed up for the knockout punch.
I quickly vaulted over the gate, landing in the safe zone. Crack!
Milliseconds later, the whole fence vibrated as a bony head made
contact with the wood.
I sighed. This scene repeated itself almost daily, and each day
brought me a higher and more justified fear of the sheep pen. What
could I have done to deserve all this hate? This display of self-defense
would’ve been forgivable if I was entering the pen with the intention
of breaking every bone in his body. However, my pet’s stubborn state
of mind blocked the real reason for my visit: I was there to clean his
wound. I only wished to help him, but he didn’t understand! My loving
gesture had been mistaken for malevolence.
God has felt this kind of frustration before. He is my Master,
and I, His cherished creation. He only wishes to heal the damage left
by my sinful habits; but I often turn on Him instead, as if He was the
cause of my pain. Our relationship, like that of my pet and I, can be
broken by my refusal to accept His help; but God’s patience towards
His wayward children never ends. When God tries to help me, will I
run to Him or push Him away?