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.

You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus
through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new
life. – Steps to Christ, pg. 48
Left, right, left, right... my mind chanted as my overworked
appendages trudged up the slope.
“I think I’m going to die,” a voice to my left puffed. “We should
turn around.” Gasps escaped from my exhausted lungs. I stopped,
looking up at the mountain looming over us. Keep going, you’re so
close, whispered the positive part of my brain.
Nah, you’ll never make it, discouraged the pessimist within
me. Uncertainty played on the edges of my mind. Should I convince
Lian to continue? My green eyes took in the tall trees while a battle
raged inside me. The noodles replacing my legs protested the thought
of continuing, siding with the pessimistic voice.
I wonder what it looks like up there, I thought, my eyes sliding
over the rocky ridge. I can do this! I chanted over and over again
as I wearily stumbled upwards. But when I stopped to see how far I
had gone, it was a mere five meters. My muddled brain sent my now
weakened limbs a command to stop. All of my strength was gone; I
was a picture of defeat. Sighing, I gave into the pessimist and turned
around, my weary legs hurrying down the path.
A couple hours later, after we had boarded the bus, a small
handful of girls were describing how beautiful the view had been from
the top. As I sat in my seat, I allowed pity to take over. You’re so weak;
you gave up, so you never got to see the view. You should have kept
going!
Looking back, I realized that I often try to scale problems
without asking God to help me. I think I can do it all by myself, and set
off at a brisk pace, determined to reach the top. But I must surrender
my “strength,” and receive God's perfect power. When I have forsaken
my own power and taken in His, I know that every mountain will be but
a tiny hill.