1. The insightful Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “What you don’t do can be a destructive force.” How was this true in Maggie Montgomery’s life? Do you have any examples of your own to share?
2. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? —Robert Schuller
What things got in the way of Maggie’s dream to become a documentarian? Brainstorm a list of five things that you would do if you KNEW you could not fail. Be as impractical as you want. Now, beside each one, write what stops you from going after (not realizing, but pursuing) that dream. Consider giving each of those excuses or roadblocks up to God in prayer.
3. Connor tells Maggie to get out of the driver’s seat and let God take control. In what areas did she need to apply this advice? What about in your own life? Can you think of any areas where you tend to take the reins and push God aside? Think about children, family, work, personal fears.
4. Fear abounds in our society right now—from the economy, the housing market, to a decline in family values. Why is it so hard to trust God for all our needs, even in the scary, uncertain times?
5. What fears did Maggie have? What about Connor?
6. Imagine you are Maggie. What advice would you have given Riley to allay her fears? When things occur that are so unfair, how do you explain to a nonbeliever that an invisible God is in control?
7. Not only does Maggie learn a lot from her old friend Beth Sterling, but she also comes to trust and rely on her as well. What are some ways Beth is there for Maggie? Describe a time when a friend came through for you in a dark time with help or just the right words. Have you ever been able to pass that favor on?
8. Maggie struggles with her past holding her back. In what ways can our families and past events become like shackles and prevent us from truly living a full life?
9. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. For I am the Lord your God.—Isaiah 43:1–3
What did this verse mean to Maggie’s life? What does it mean to yours?
10. We all know Satan loves to get a good foothold. What better opportunity than when things are going wrong, and we’re weakened with doubt. What things did Maggie doubt? What about Riley? Describe a difficult time when you struggled with doubt? What did you do to overcome it? Can you think of any times when fear got the best of you?
11. In the Bible, David went up against the giant Goliath, despite the warnings and discouragement of others. In this novel, Maggie decides to pursue her dream of producing documentaries, even though it’s a pursuit where few succeed. Why is it our nature to play it safe? Is this good common sense—or lack of faith?
12. Do we pass fears and phobias on to our children? How can we break that generational habit?
13. Describe how Maggie’s phobia of water got in the way of her life. Do you have a phobia? Could it be preventing you from fulfilling your life purpose?