Wings of the Wind
Page 30
It is easy to look back on Israel and judge their continual lack of faith and obedience without considering our own. What struggles do you see coming up again and again in your life? How is God using these struggles to show you his faithfulness and mercy?
In Joshua 2, Rahab the prostitute gives aid to the Hebrew spies in spite of the danger. She ends up being rewarded for her faith and, despite her past and her heritage, was ultimately named in the lineage of Jesus himself (Matthew 1:5). When have you had to make a stand for your faith? In what ways does the story of Rahab inspire your resolve to stand firm against persecution? How did you feel about Connilyn’s imagined reasons for Rahab to help the Hebrew spies?
Rahab is described as a prostitute in the Bible, someone whose life was undoubtedly defined by sin and pain, yet was given the opportunity to shed her past, find new life, and be called an ancestor of the Messiah. How does the way God used Rahab for his purposes and glory, even in her brokenness, encourage you?
When have you, like Alanah’s mother, had to make a decision with no clear-cut, easy answer? Did you experience fallout from that decision? How did God use the situation for his glory?
Wings of the Wind draws a picture of God’s sovereignty in Alanah’s life and how he was at work in her life long before she knew him, to accomplish his long-term purposes. How have you experienced God’s sovereignty in your life? How does knowing that God sees the end from the beginning affect your daily life and choices? In what ways has he proved his loyal presence in your life?
The description Alanah uses of the harvesting process is symbolic of how God changed her heart and how the truth of her identity and purpose is revealed through difficulty. What “chaff” in your life has God burned away, and what treasures have you reaped from the process of being “winnowed” by trials? Are you facing any trials in your life currently? In what ways might God be using these experiences to bring you closer to him?
How do you think Moriyah’s experiences in Jericho will affect her life in the future? What might be the ramifications of the trauma she endured, in light of her culture and the time period in which she lived?
When Connilyn Cossette is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), she is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus, and weaving them into her novels. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives in a little town near Dallas, Texas. Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter and keep track of new releases, receive bonus content, and hear other exciting updates.
Books by Connilyn Cossette
OUT FROM EGYPT
Counted With the Stars
Shadow of the Storm
Wings of the Wind
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
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