READERS GUIDE

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. Part 1: The Problem

1. What matters most to you? What things tend to sidetrack you from becoming all that God is calling you to be?

2. You may never have found yourself clinging precariously to the side of a mountain, but perhaps you’ve encountered circumstances just as intense. What were the choices that led you there? How did God meet you in those situations?

3. In chapter 3, Kim wrote, “Authentic beauty is revealed in what we do for those in need around us. On that day I wanted to be beautiful like Amelia…because she was beautiful like Jesus.” When was the last time you did something strictly for the benefit of someone else—knowing the person could not pay you back? Describe how you felt afterward.

4. What have you found to be the most effective ways of defending your heart against sin? What are some “arrows” you’ve encountered when you’ve let your guard down? As Kim pointed out, there is no arrow that the unfailing love of Jesus cannot remove. In a few words how would you describe His arrow-removing process in your life?

2. Part 2: The King

1. Kim says, “At some point we will all experience our best-laid plans being obliterated in a single moment. An accident, a disease, an addiction, an infidelity, a discovery, a choice—each can exact life-changing consequences.” How has God shown His faithfulness to you in times like these?

2. Have you ever experienced total peace despite tumultuous or scary circumstances? If so, how would you advise a friend to find peace in the midst of troubled circumstances?

3. In chapter 11, Kim recalled God speaking to her: “The things you choose to entrust to Me, you will have forever. But the things that you choose to hold on to will all perish.” What have you entrusted to God? What are you holding on to? Why? How are you protecting those things better than God could? When might you be willing to give those things to God as well?

4. Have you ever had a “wilderness” experience in which you didn’t know how or when you’d make it through? What are your thoughts about where God is during those times? What was most effective in helping you put one foot in front of the other and not give up?

3. Part 3: The Warrior

1. Have you ever asked, “Who am I, and what do I really have to give?” Describe some things you’ve already given, such as a smile, a prayer, a word of encouragement, a small gift. Since you are unique and strategically placed in this world—no one else can be you— what are the gifts you have that can make a difference for those in your life who might be struggling?

2. In chapter 15, Kim compared unforgiveness to a prison. She also stated, “Forgiveness is a purposeful decision to let go of our years of rubble.” Is there someone in your life you haven’t fully forgiven? If you are holding on to years of rubble, what is it costing you? Are you willing to take action to be completely free?

3. In your own race through life, what weights slow you down? Who is cheering you on? Whom are you cheering for? What is your greatest motivation to do your best?

4. Kim wrote that a warrior is one who casts down her “princess crown” of entitlement and picks up her King’s sword of encouragement to fiercely defend those who are losing their battle for hope. Consider your world, your community, your friends, your family. Of those near you, who is losing the battle for hope? If you were to pick up your sword of encouragement, what would that look like for the people around you?