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 is our tower of strength. – Steps to Christ, pg. 98
Oxygen rushed into my lungs as I inhaled deeply, plastering a
determined look onto my face. The familiar rush of adrenaline pounded
in my ears as I willed my shaking limbs to steady themselves.
Straightening my posture, I nodded at my coach and waited
for his thumbs-up. He gave me the signal, and I launched myself into
a sprint. Allowing my body to take the lead, I dove into the complex
feat—a round-off, back handspring, backflip. Feeling the pull of gravity
and tensing of my muscles, I braced myself for impact, prepared to
“stick” the landing. But before I anticipated it, the floor met me.
Oomf!
Flying backwards, I was flung across the floor like a pitiful rag
doll. Frustration and disappointment welled up within me as I painfully
picked myself up off the carpeted mat. It was the sixth time that day I
had failed in landing the same trick.
“Pull yourself together. You must focus on what you are going
to achieve, or you will never reach it. You need to stick it!” Tears stung
my eyes as my coach’s criticism bit into me. Nodding slightly and
ducking my head to hide my weakened composure, I did a double take
as I registered his tone of voice—it was kind. Turning to him, I caught
his sympathetic eyes. He knew I was struggling, but he wasn’t going to
let me quit until I had succeeded. He was going to push me because
he knew I was strong enough to reach my goal.
As I slowly limped back to my starting point, I realized I really
couldn’t do anything on my own. God alone is my source of strength.
Like my coach, He believes in me. He will give me the divine power
I need to overcome any challenge I face in life. Now, with renewed
motivation, I raised my arms high into the air once more and took a
deep breath. I was going to stick this one!