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.

We sometimes ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and
our heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that
which will be for our highest good—that which we ourselves would
desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as
they really are. – Steps to Christ, pg. 96
My nine-year-old eyes greedily darted across the catalog
pages, soaking in the dainty displays and making a mental list of what
I wanted to buy. In my imagination, I created a masterpiece set-up of a
miniature house for my dolls.
When I was younger, we would receive an American Girl
catalog every month. Every time we did, I would excitedly flip through
its pages and daydream the impossible. There was one doll that never
left my mind: Felicity. To my young eyes, she was the most beautiful
doll in the world. She had long, silky, red hair, gleaming green eyes,
and dazzling dresses. Since my mom had made it clear that she was
not going to buy her for me, I was forced to try to make the money
on my own. I begged for work, took every opportunity I could to earn
money, and even prayed for her! But despite my tenacious efforts, I
never quite made it, and my high hopes were dashed to pieces.
A couple years later, the American Girl catalog displayed the
new “Girl of the Year” doll on their front cover. She was gorgeous! Her
features, though similar, far exceeded Felicity’s. Her shiny, red hair
was thicker and longer with luxurious waves. Her eyes were a dark
turquoise. Now that I was older, I had the money. If I had known at the
age of nine about Saige, I wouldn’t have given Felicity a thought. In
the end, I got something way better than what had I asked for.
Often, God is like that. We ask for what we want, but He has
something better in mind for us. Living in the moment, all we can see
is the present, unable to imagine something better. Yet God knows the
future and cares enough to give us something far better than what we
could ever ask for.