Reading Group Questions
The following list of questions is designed to
enhance a group or individual's thinking
about or discussing some of the issues we hope you will consider
after reading this book. This is
designed as a starting point only and is not meant to limit the
discussion.
Chapter One
1. Zoe's plans for a perfect wedding were rained upon by her unfaithful fiancé,
leaving her hurt and confused. When has an unexpected turn of events threatened
to ruin plans you have made for your life, causing you to reassess everything
you believe in? Read Job 17:11; 42:2 and Prov. 19:21.
2. Based on her prayer, Zoe recognized that being sexually active
with Devyn was not in God's will, yet she continued to be sexually
active before marriage. Why do human beings tend to ignore the
will of God in chosen areas of their lives, yet seek His blessings
in those same areas? How can we grow to trust in His plan for our
lives? Read Ex. 19:5; Prov. 16:3; Jer. 7:23; 29:11.
Chapter Two
3. Zoe was devastated when Devyn left her at the altar. After her disastrous
wedding day, she had to begin picking up the pieces of her life. How can
we know that the Lord is with us even as we face the darkest times of our
lives? Read Deut. 31:8, Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 43:2, and John 14:27.
Chapter Three
4. Being jilted at the altar left Zoe feeling like her circumstances were so
bad that not even the Lord could not redeem then. How can people gain hope
that the Lord can bring glory to Himself even through the worst of circumstances?
Read Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:27; Isaiah. 6:5-7.
5. Chase told Zoe that he wanted God's will to be done in his
life more than he wanted the desires of his heart. How can we know
that our desires are within the will of God? Read Ps. 37:4, 23,
31; 119:133; 2 Tim. 2:22.
Chapter Four
6. Zoe blinded herself to reality regarding her relationship with Devyn. Later
she acknowledged that God knew Devyn wasn't the kind of man she needed. What
happens to believers when we surrender our will and our lives to the will
of God? Read Ps. 4:5; 37:5-7; Prov. 3:5-6.
Chapter Five
7. For a time, it appeared as though Chase would not be a player for the Seattle
Storm although it was his heart's desire to play professional football. How
can believers continue to give testimony to the Lord even when it appears
as though we may have lost our heart's desires? Read Ps. 27:14; 130:5; Isaiah
40:30-31.
Chapter Six
8. After Zoe had been wronged at the altar even more horrible things began
happening to her. How can believers know that the enemy is not winning during
those times when it feels like we're being kicked when we're already down?
Read Psalm 13; Ps. 31:15-24.
9. As Zoe and Chase continued to share the same apartment, Zoe
became increasingly aware of her physical desire for him. What
should Christians do to keep their hearts and minds focused on
things that will not lead them astray? Read Rom. 13:13-14; 1 Cor.
6:19; 1 Thess. 4:3-7.
Chapter Seven
10. Zoe's attraction to Chase continued to escalate, especially as he excelled
in his football career and began gaining the attention of fans, the media,
and even other women. Furthermore, she was thrilled that he cared deeply,
too. How did her actions reveal that Zoe still did not have a full appreciation
for the kind of man Chase was or for the kind of relationship God desired
for the two of them? Read 1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Cor. 6:18-20.
11. Fawn gave Zoe good advice, although it was cloaked in judgment.
How can Christians share their godly wisdom and insights with God
so that the message will be interpreted as loving and not judgmental?
Read Ps. 116:5; Matt. 9:36; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12.
Chapter Eight
12. Zoe believed her living arrangements with Chase were acceptable, primarily
because they were not sleeping together. They failed to consider the temptation
brought on by two people in love sharing living quarters before they were
married. What are the consequences of believers ignoring the fact that they
are stepping into spiritual storms and personal blizzards? Read 1 Thess.
5:21-24.
Chapter Nine
13. After their argument in the motel room, Zoe wondered why the Lord would
not take away her feelings of desire for Chase. In what way does Zoe's prayer
indicate a lack of trust in God. What should believers do when we seem unable
to trust God and control our desires and urges? Read 2 Sam. 22:26-37.
Chapter Ten
14. In a more compassionate way, Amy was able to express Christian concern
for Zoe and Chase's living arrangements. How can believers know when we are
involved in activity that offers a flawed witness to the world? Read Rom. 12:1-2.
15. Zoe's sexual advances toward Chase seemed to reveal that she
only knew how to show love and compassion through sex. How can
Christians appropriately demonstrate love, caring, joy, and other
positive feelings to others, especially members of the opposite
sex? Read Ruth 2:1-16; 3:3-13
16. After their breakup, Zoe began to realize that she needed
a life of her own and a deeper relationship with the Lord. Why
are many female believers prone to throw their energies into a
intimate human relationship, rather than an intimate relationship
with God? Read Gen. 3:16b; Song 5:6-8
Chapter Eleven
17. Zoe's temporary breakup with Chase gave her the time and opportunity to
build a closer relationship with the Lord as well as with her own mother. How
can unforeseen or unfortunate circumstances help believers grow closer to the
Lord and to repair damaged relationships with others? Read Ps. 73:21-28
18. Zoe's concern for her own problems blinded her to the fact
that others were having problems, too, like her mother. Mercifully,
the Lord allowed the two of them to resolve their issues and grow
closer before her mother's death. How can believers be more sensitive
to the concerns of others, even as we struggle with our own problems?
What spiritual truths can we learn by being alert to the concerns
of other persons? Read Col. 3:12-17
Chapter Twelve
19. Although she was hurt that Chase had begun dating someone else, Zoe recognized
that the situation was the result of her own creation. How does Zoe's acceptance
of the consequences of her actions reveal that she was maturing, both spiritually
and emotionally? Read Eph. 4:11-15
20. Devyn reappeared when Zoe was most vulnerable to temptation.
How does Satan use our vulnerability to tempt us with things or
people that seem to be the solution to our problem? What can believers
do to avoid getting in situations that will lead them into temptation?
Read Matt. 26:41; 1 Cor. 10:13; Col. 3:1-5
Chapter Thirteen
21. How did Zoe jeopardize her future by putting herself in a dangerous situation
with Devyn? Why do you think she ignored reason and went to his residence despite
everything that had happened between them? Pray a prayer of thanksgiving to
the Lord for His grace that has covered you, shielding you from hurt, harm,
and danger. Read Judg. 16:20; Ps. 20:1; 30:2-4; 59:1; 69:30.
22. Zoe realized the severe consequences of sin as she watched
Aisha lying on the floor injured. What can people do to return
to the Lord, despite the consequences of their sinfulness? Pray
to the Lord for His forgiveness and mercy in the situations you
have created in your life because of your sinfulness and the consequences
that resulted. Read 1 Cor. 15:31-34; Gal. 5:7-9
Chapter Fourteen
23. Chase attributed his accident to allowing his problems to distract him
from being focused on the Lord. How are believers affected when we allow
our problems or circumstances to take our attention off of the Lord? Read
1 Chron. 16:11; Matt. 14:25-32.
24. When Devyn confronted Zoe, his words were hurtful to Chase,
yet Zoe could not deny what he was saying. A moment of vulnerability
had returned to haunt her and hurt someone she loved deeply. What
does this encounter between Devyn, Zoe, and Chase reveal about
the need to make careful choices every moment of the day? Read
Prov. 8:28-30; 1 Pet. 3:15-17
Chapter Fifteen
25. Only a few months earlier when Zoe wanted to marry Devyn she thought that
she was blessed to be with a not-so-faithful man with an average annual income.
Through trial and struggle, the Lord brought her through to blessings beyond
her imagination. Ask yourself if the Lord is pulling you through a storm
in order to give you greater blessings. Pray and ask the Lord if you are
in any way hindering those blessings from coming to you. Finally, pray for
strength to endure the journey as you grow to receive the fullness of what
the Lord has in store for you. Read Ps. 142:7; Eph. 3:20-21; 2 Cor. 9:11;
Phil. 4:4-9, 19 |
