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.

Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. - Steps to
Christ, pg. 71
The spring Dubai sun made me and my friend Catarina
feel like ants under the intensified sunbeam of a magnifying glass.
However, the overwhelming heat would not last long because we had
just arrived at our dream destination: the waterpark. Running into the
jungle gym of colourful plastic tubes, totally ignored the “DO NOT
RUN” signs and lifeguard whistles, we stormed up the steps. We were
on our way up the steps to what Catarina thought would be her death.
The contraption awaiting us was a vertical human-sized
capsule, which a human would step into and be locked inside. There
was an automated “three, two, one” countdown, then the floor would
disappear from under the person, and they would be gone, flying
through a tube that made a complete loop, defying gravity. Once we
arrived at the front of the line and it was my turn to go, Catarina pulled
me back and looked me in the eyes bravely: “Let me go first; if I don’t
go now, I won’t go!” she stated firmly.
“Okay, sounds good. I’ll just go after you!” I replied excitedly.
Knees knocking, she stepped in shakenly; the man operating
the slide instructed her to cross her arms and legs as if in a coffin.
Then the capsule was closed, and the automated British voice
counted: “Three, two, one,” and she was gone with a faint scream,
making it to the bottom alive.
Now it was my turn to brave the beast. Stepping into the
torture tube confidently, I crossed my arms and legs; every chance of
return was closed as I was locked in fate. The countdown was muffled
by the sounds of my beating heart; then, like a magic trick, I was gone
shooting down the tube, but as I went up the loop, the tides started to
turn, literally.
I was confident in the ride, and I was confident in myself; I
didn’t see the disaster coming. I was completely naïve to put my trust
in a waterpark ride. However, when I put my confidence in God, I can
always be sure He’ll get me through the ride of my life.