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.

The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full
as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His
watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.
– Steps to Christ, pg. 100
As I open the oven, my senses fully awaken. I feel the warmth
as it rises, accompanied by its heavenly scent. I pull the peanut
butter cookies out of their fiery dungeon and place them on the stove
top. Intrigued, I glance down at my imperfect cookies. A few are
misshapen: some are crumbling, and others are charred on the edges.
Then, I think back to the words spoken to me: “You’re stupid!” “You’re
ugly!” “You’re fat!” I ponder the hateful remarks: Were they right? Do
those words define me? Were they truly what people thought of me?
I think about my friends: They are all different, all beautiful.
But what about me? Am I that different from them? The world’s view of
perfect isn’t me—it’s far from me. Some people call me weird. Some
call me crazy, but I honestly wouldn’t want to be any different. God
made me the way I am.
Suddenly, I realize my mistake. I had been comparing myself
to my friends, but my worth isn’t based on who I am compared to
other people. My worth is found in my relationship to God. No matter
what they say, I will always mean the world to my Heavenly Father.
If He had wanted me to be different—to be like someone else—He
would have created me that way. But He didn’t. He made me, me! And
I thank Him every day that He did. I’m my Father’s little girl. Those
hateful words can never define me through His eyes.
Since then, my view of the world has dramatically changed. I
no longer look at people the same way. They aren’t just flawed human
beings; they are each amazing, creative, special, unique—worth it! If
everyone was exactly and perfectly the same, how boring the world
would be. We’re all cookies—different and amazing! If there was only
one flavor, life would be boring and monotonous. We’re not all created
with the same cookie cutter; we’re unique. God made you! He loves
you just the way you are. It’s time we start loving every person the way
God does—with perfect, indescribable love.