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.

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made
us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is
by grace you have been saved. – Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV
An officer casually strolled up to the window and notified us
that we had been exceeding the speed limit by a significant amount.
I was not surprised. Our speed had been hovering in the 80mph
range—far surpassing the limit.
I listened to the officer’s lengthy spiel for a while until my
thoughts drifted to the evaporating time. The clock ticked on as my
inner anxiety started to grow. It seemed to take eons before the deputy
was done with his verbal spanking.
Finally, the officer went back to his vehicle and scribbled a few
things on his notepad. Strolling back over to us, he handed my mom
the dreaded article of punishment: a ticket. My mom’s bank account
was now doomed to shrink.
“Be safe out there!” He yelled as he sauntered back to his car.
Accelerating back onto the freeway, I felt uneasiness swell
within me as I worried about making my appointment. It was a mere
matter of minutes before I could be forced to reschedule and be put
out another three months. Pulling into the DMV parking lot, I jumped
out of the car and raced inside. Looking around, I spotted the driver’s
license counter and made a mad dash to it. Glancing up at the clock,
I couldn’t believe my eyes: 10:00 A.M. exactly! By God’s grace, I had
made it just in time. His grace didn’t end there: my driver’s test went
smoothly, and before I knew it, the lady handed me a little piece of
paper and told me my license would come in the mail in two weeks.
As I stepped outside the building, realization hit me like a
ton of bricks: Wow! Why was God so merciful even after we had so
intentionally broken the law? That is what’s so beautiful about grace. It
is given to us when we least deserve it.