The Calling
Page 32
Are there times when fear can be a valuable instinct? When does it go from helpful to harmful? How can you avoid letting fear become debilitating?
In chapter 5, Remko admits that he’s following Aaron more because Carrington believes and he’s seen the effect it’s had on her rather than because he fully believes himself. How does that complicate things for him? Have you ever experienced something similar in your own life?
Also in chapter 5, Aaron tells Remko, “You enslave yourself with expectations.” What does this look like in Remko’s life? Can you think of a time when you enslaved yourself with expectations? What was the outcome?
Why does Carrington decide not to reach out to her mother? (See chapter 8.) Did you agree with her decision? How should we discern when to share our beliefs with others and when not to? Have you ever struggled to trust God with the salvation of your loved ones?
In chapter 26, Remko wonders, “If freedom really was a lie, then wouldn’t it be better to just forget he needed freedom at all?” What would you say in response to his doubts? Can you think of a situation in your own life where it was important to know the truth even if that truth was hard?
In chapter 27, Remko wrestles with guilt over bringing a child into such an uncertain world. Should he feel guilty? Why or why not? How can we reassure ourselves and others when worries about the dangers and uncertainties in this world start to creep in?
After Remko encourages Carrington to “trust that something bigger than us will hold Elise close” at the end of the book, she tells him, “You’re going to have to remind me often. Because I won’t be able to remember on my own.” Throughout the Bible, God encourages his people to remember his acts of faithfulness in the past. Why is this important? How can we remind others to trust God’s faithful character, the way Remko reminds Carrington?
Were you surprised by the identities of those who betrayed Remko and the Seers? In each case, what was the motivation behind the betrayal? In your opinion, can betrayals like that ever be justified?
What do you predict will happen for Carrington, Remko, and the rest of the Seers in the next—and final—book of the series?
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