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.

Every soul was precious in His eyes. While He ever bore Himself with
divine dignity, He bowed with the tenderest regard to every member
of the family of God. In all men He saw fallen souls whom it was His
mission to save. – Steps to Christ, pg. 12
Chlorine permeated the air while I stared at the endless ocean
of a pool. I was in for eight long hours of lifeguarding, and my eyes
were already experiencing a considerable amount of fatigue.Time
passed, and still nothing interesting or exciting had taken place. In my
two years of lifeguarding, I had not saved one person. What made me
think I was going to save someone today? After all, rescues were for
more experienced lifeguards, not me.
“I really just want some action!” I sighed to a fellow lifeguard.
“Don’t worry,” my friend replied. “Your time will come.”
Finally, the time came to rotate lifeguard stands. I was on my
way to the next station when I heard a scream. Jerking my head in the
direction of the diving board, I caught a glimpse of a little boy’s head
as it disappeared beneath the water. His floaties had slipped off his
arms, and he was drowning in the deep end. I snatched my trusty tube
from the side of the pool and dove into the water. I raced towards the
kid as he bobbed again to the surface, his mouth open and gasping for
air. My mind churned, and I wondered if I would reach him in time.
“Hey, hey, are you okay?” Dragging him from the watery
depths, I repeated the phrase they had taught us in lifeguard training.
He retched and coughed up some water, before responding in a
childish voice: “I’m okay.” Relief flooded my body as I took his hand
and led him to his panicked parents. It felt terrific to finally save a life.
The desire I have to rescue drowning individuals as a lifeguard
spills over into my spiritual life. Week after week I sit in church, longing
to take part in some action of saving people for God. I long for the day
when I get to experience a mission trip or give a Bible study. I don’t
just want to sit and watch; I want to be personally involved in rescuing
people for my Savior.