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.

Happiness that is sought from selfish motives... is ill-balanced, fitful,
and transitory; it passes away, and the soul is filled with loneliness
and sorrow... If we do not have the pleasures of this life we may still be
joyful in looking to the life beyond. – Steps to Christ, pp. 124-125
I gazed out the bus window at small, dilapidated houses
guarded by equally precarious board fences. Round, yurt-like
houses called gers were interspersed among the colourful-roofed
neighbourhood. I beheld the poverty-stricken scene in fascination. This
neighbourhood could very well be a landfill. It was a daunting thought
that this community was probably one of the finest in Mongolia.
After a week of mission work, my group was able to join
a small church that met in the living room of their pastor’s home. I
shivered as we ascended the cold cement stairs and were escorted
by the pastor down a dank, bare hallway that reeked of urine. He
opened a door that led into his small apartment, no bigger than a hotel
room. Taking my seat, I noticed the pastor’s wife preparing lunch in the
open kitchen. After the pastor opened with prayer and returned to his
seat, I watched him lovingly pull his children up onto his lap. Though
obviously poor, they were content.
My experience in Mongolia made me think about the privileges
I so often take for granted. Many people live in poverty, their lives
spent in dirty, run-down buildings—yet they are happy. The words of a
friend replayed in my mind: “What right do I have to be more privileged
than these poor people? They’re just like me; I have no more rights
than they do.” Coming from a privileged country and a blessed home,
I could not see myself happy and content in a place like this. But am I
associating a happy life with comfort and ease? These worldly things
should not be the motivating factor behind my happiness. Instead,
I must be content with the life God has given me. When I find my
happiness not in my possessions but in Him, I can rejoice regardless
of the circumstances.