Discussion Guide

“I passionately wanted to work for God,” Caroline says, “but I wasn’t bold enough to preach the gospel on a street corner. I desperately wanted to make a difference for Christ and was frustrated because I didn’t know what to do.” Can you relate to this? In what way?
How does God’s answer to Caroline’s question about the injustice in the world surprise her?
What do you think of when you hear the term “social justice”? What examples of injustice do you see in the world and/or in your own community? Can you relate to Caroline’s feeling of being overwhelmed in the face of it and not knowing where to begin?
What does Caroline say is required in order for you to become “a walking-on-water miracle to another person”? What else might happen as a result?
Caroline offers a list of “life-changing ideas.” Which ones jump out at you? What other ideas might you add?

Describe the event that turned out to be Caroline’s “trigger.” Why did this specific situation resonate with her? What was the immediate effect of her willingness to act? What happened long-term as a result of it?
What injustice grips your heart the most? If you don’t already know your own trigger, what’s one step you might take to figure it out?
Caroline says it’s been her experience that when she gives her time to God, she gets more done in her personal life. How does this compare to your own experience? If you’re not intentionally giving your time to God right now, are you willing to try it this week and see what happens?
Drawing from what you’ve learned in this chapter, what would you say to someone who is in the beginning stages of acting on her trigger—investing her time and energy in taking action—but isn’t yet sure if it will succeed or how it’s all going to play out?

Chapter 3: Serving and the Realities of Life

What are some of the keys to maintaining balance in your life? Why is this important to keep in mind as you’re learning to “walk on water”?

What were the qualities Caroline admired most in Matthew when she was getting to know him? What qualities do you look for in your own relationships, and why are they important to you? What does that tell you about your own values? Can you identify ways in which they relate to your trigger and your purpose?

Think of a time when you found a special joy in serving. What made it a joyful experience for you?

Chapter 4: Look Long Enough

It can be tough and overwhelming to hear about others suffering, making us feel helpless. What does Caroline say is the solution? Why does she encourage us to look extra hard at those areas of injustice that we previously may have avoided? What would one of those be for you?
What is the difference between meeting a surface need and addressing a root problem? Would you say that one is ever more important than the other? Why or why not?

Chapter 5: Walk with Confidence

Caroline says, “The moment we take our eyes off Him is the moment we will start to feel the waves lapping around our ankles.” Have you found it to be difficult to trust in Christ instead of your own abilities? What distractions do you face in your own faith walk? What helps you to keep your eyes on God?

Think about how discouraged Elijah was in 1 Kings 19. Now read the story of Elijah’s courage in confronting King Ahab about his sin in 1 Kings 21:17-29 and note the king’s response. What blessings would Elijah have missed had he given up? How can this encourage you next time you’re feeling discouraged?

Caroline shares her experience that if you begin ministry with a willing heart, God will show up and provide financial resources. Yet many ministries do suffer financially; do you think this proves or disproves Caroline’s point? What can financial difficulties teach us about walking on water?

Do you feel confident in your calling? Take some time to pray that God will give you the courage to step out in willingness and the faith to believe He will not let you sink.

Chapter 6: The Fear of Being Unworthy

The first question the Dream Center asks women entering the program is, “What is your dream?” How would you answer this question?
Have you ever struggled with feeling unworthy to pursue your dream, to serve God, or to try to help others?
How does Caroline compare sin to drowning in this chapter? How do we get caught up in this? What practical things can we do to break the cycle of sin, insecurity, and self-doubt, and why do they help?
Caroline says that God can use you no matter who or where you are. Describe someone whom God used in unlikely circumstances and what happened as a result.

Chapter 7: Not Willing to Sink

When stepping out in faith, why is it so important to predetermine that sinking is simply not an option? How do you think we can tell the difference between giving up on something God has called us to do, and feeling the nudge from God telling us that we are not on the right path?
What is one specific way you can commit to starting tomorrow morning with hope and ending it with peace? How will this help you to stay afloat?

Chapter 8: Your Motivating Factor

How does God’s love influence your decisions, your actions, and your attitude toward others?
What are some reasons people struggle to accept God’s love? Take a moment to pray for anyone who doesn’t feel loved by God—that He will communicate it to this person in a way he or she is willing to understand. How might you personally be a practical reflection of God’s love to him or her?
Does knowing that “even at your best, you are not worthy” depress you or liberate you in your attitude toward serving others in God’s name? How?
This chapter contains powerful stories about people experiencing God’s love during difficult times. If you were contributing a story to this chapter, what person or situation would it be about?

Chapter 9: Our Wants vs. God’s Wants

Why is it that your plans for your life and God’s plans for your life may match up more than you think?
What is the difference between doing something out of fear of God and doing it out of a willing heart?
What role does the Holy Spirit have in our taking action to serve God?

Chapter 10: The You in Serving

What’s the difference between having a wise reason not to do something and making an excuse to avoid it? How can our excuses hold us back from living God’s promises?

There are 358 references in the Bible to helping the poor, the needy, the widow, and the orphan. Why do you think this issue is so important to God that He refers to it in His Word so many times? What are the benefits of paying attention to these needs? What are the risks if we ignore them?

How did Caroline find that serving others with a willing heart turned her complaints into praise? Think of one of your own complaints about your life (don’t worry, we all have them!). How might you turn it around so that it becomes an opportunity for praise, thankfulness, and service?

Chapter 11: The Good Kind of Fear

What are some specific fears you have about taking action on your own trigger? Is it time? Money? Ability? Safety? What have you learned from this chapter about how to combat these fears?
What kind of fears would you say are appropriate and right to feel? How do you distinguish between those and the kind that hold you back from living out your purpose?
How does the knowledge that you are being obedient help to alleviate the stress of following your calling?
What were the keys to Caroline being able to face her fears and perform onstage for Matthew’s anniversary present? Consider a fear that you’re currently facing. Which of these keys speaks most to your heart? What might you do to act on it now?

Chapter 12: The Power of One

What examples from the Bible show us that one person matters to God? What does this mean to you? What does it mean when you think about making an impact through service?
When Caroline told God she was willing to live His dream for her life, she hoped that God would call her to serve somewhere exotic and far away. Yet her entire ministry has been based in LA. What might this teach us about God’s call on our lives? How might it encourage us in moments when we don’t seem to be getting what we want?
What did Peter have that gave him the ability to walk on water? What does this teach us about our own relationship with Christ?
Who is someone whom you’ve seen “walk on water” in your own life? How have his or her actions impacted you?
What does Caroline say is the key to being a good and faithful servant of God? What’s something specific you can do this week to “get out of the boat” and put this principle into practice?