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.

He can testify, “I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was
supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied...” – Steps to Christ, pg.
I saw guns emerge from the smoke and slam into our car
window. As the smoke died out, the silhoutte of a man became clear to
me. He was concealed behind a black mask and was not alone. While
more armed men appeared just outside my window, I felt the power
over my life transfer into their reckless, cold hands.
November 2011: when I was nine, my sister, parents, and
I were invited to a family member’s wedding in Veracruz, Mexico.
Over and over again, our family reassured my mother that it would
be safe in Veracruz. Still slightly concerned, we decided to attend the
wedding. However, there was reason behind my mother’s discomfort.
At that time, “Los Zetas” were everywhere. They are a Mexican
criminal syndicate. Thought by the US government to be “the most
technologically advanced, sophisticated, efficient, violent, ruthless,
and dangerous cartel operating in Mexico,” the organization also ran
profitable sex trafficking and gun running rackets. This was why my
mother initially feared traveling to Mexico.
After the wedding, we left Veracruz at 4:40 A.M. in a small,
white rental car. We had driven fifty minutes towards the airport when
our plans were completely terminated. It was 5:30 A.M. when I was
ungraciously awakened by my sister. I looked to the left to see thick,
glowing, white smoke enveloping the car outside. Confused, I looked
to my right to see my sister pleading with me to pray. I asked for a
reason, but she wouldn’t give me one. Hesitating to recognize and
accept my current situation, I prayed quickly but meaningfully with my
eyes wide open as to not compromise my alertness. As far as I knew, I
imagined the car had broken down, but that didn’t explain the panicked
look on my sister’s face as she stared out into the smoke. Gazing
through the smoke myself, a man in a black mask peered into the car
on my side. While I heard more men yelling in the distance, I struggled
to breathe as I tried to reject reality. It felt too real. I didn’t know where
I was or what was happening, but I felt the threat over my life. For the
first time, I felt no certainty of living beyond that point.