Reader Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions for A Suitor for Jenny

1. Jenny protected and in some ways overprotected her sisters. How does overprotecting children keep them from discovering God’s plan for them?
   
   
2. During the dark years of her life, Jenny found it easier to avoid God than face Him. Describe a time in your life when you felt separated from God?
   
   
3. Jenny’s fear of poverty interfered with her ability to trust that God was leading the way. What other fears can keep us from putting our trust in God?
   
   
4. Sarah said that God has bigger plans for us than we can ever dream up for ourselves. Was there ever a time when God’s plan for you was bigger than you dared dream for yourself?
   
   
5. Brenda tried to live up to her reputation as the “good” girl. As a result, any approval she received was for the person she tried to be, not for the person she was. How did this affect her? In what ways does labeling a child do harm? What labels did you have to overcome?
   
   
6. Jenny consulted books, administered tests and conducted interviews while searching for husbands for her sisters. She thought she knew how to pick “perfect” men, but God proved her wrong. Name something in your life (person, place or thing) that seemed totally wrong at the time but turned out to be perfectly right. Do you think this was God-sent? Why or why not?
   
   
7. Rhett cut off his feelings as a way to handle his guilt and grief. Timber Joe lived in a world of make-believe so he wouldn’t have to face his. Scooter’s father turned to alcohol. What are some of the other ways that a person might try to ignore or mask feelings of guilt or grief?
   
   
8. Rhett sometimes questioned God’s will but never His existence. Was there ever a time when you questioned God’s will? Did this have a positive or negative influence on your faith?
   
   
9. Rhett recognized himself in Scooter’s father and he didn’t much like what he saw. Have you ever seen yourself in others? What was your first reaction? Did it have an effect on your behavior?
   
   
10. Pastor Wells said God sometimes brought couples together for his own purposes. He called this a God-match. Name a relationship of yours that was a God-match. Do you think it’s possible that a negative relationship can be a God-match? Why or why not?
    
    
11. Jenny’s ne’er do well father provided an unstable home for his family. How do you think this influenced Jenny’s search for suitors?
    
    
12. Jenny became friends with Sarah, the preacher’s wife. In what ways did Sarah encourage Jenny to grow in her faith? Who or what has had the greatest influence in your journey of faith?
    
    
13. Jenny filled every moment with busy work. There simply was no room in her life for God. Do you think modern technology has made spending time with God more difficult? Why or why not?
    
    
14. Ma, the owner of Rhett’s boarding house, said there was a difference between guilt and Godly sorrow. What do you think that difference is?
    
    
15. Pastor Wells told Brenda her job was not to please Jenny but to please God. Did you ever do something you didn’t want to do to please your family? Boss? Friend?