1. After Sheriff Jeffries revealed that Aunt Adabelle had influenza, Rebekah believed
she understood the situation; she expected a particular outcome. But the Spanish
flu didn’t behave like normal influenza. Has there been a situation in your life you
thought you understood only to have it resolve in a way completely unlike your
expectations? How did you come to terms with that—or have you?
(John 11:32)
2. Some parts of Rebekah’s life in Prater’s Junction were all too familiar—like farm
and small-town life. Others were very foreign—like taking care of the children.
Which do you think caused more growth in her life? Why? What about in you?
Does enduring the familiar or facing the unknown drive you deeper into the arms
of God?
(Genesis 16:13, 21:17-18)
3. Sheriff Jeffries had dreams he hadn’t acted on until Rebekah arrived and
encouraged him. However, in the end, she wasn’t to be a part of the fulfillment of
those dreams. Do you think Sheriff Jeffries became a Texas Ranger anyway? Do
you find it difficult or exciting to pull up stakes and follow where God has
obviously opened new doors for you?
(Matthew 4:19)
4. When Frank arrived home, he and Rebekah were virtual strangers who shared a
common bond of love for the children. Do you think that bond was a major or a
minor factor in their falling in love with each other? Why?
(Ruth 3:9-11)
5. Rebekah believed the Lord led her to Texas because of Arthur. When that didn’t
work out, she felt kind of “stranded” until her real purpose in that place was
revealed. Have you ever followed God’s leading and then had the circumstances
change completely, leaving you feeling stranded and abandoned? Did you later
come to realize a different purpose for being in that place (a literal or figurative
place) than the one you originally thought God had in mind?
(Jeremiah 29:11)
6. Rebekah craved adventure and excitement. Frank was content with a quiet,
familiar life. How do you think that difference of personality affected their
relationship over the years? How have relationships with people different from
you changed you over time?
(Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:23-25)
7. Rebekah surrendered her dreams and the path of her life to the Lord. Describe a
time in your life when you grappled with surrendering to the Lord’s plan instead
of your own desires. Did it require doing the very thing you’d determined not to
do or did the Lord turn things another way?
(Jonah 1:3, 2:9, 3:2, 4:1)
8. Rebekah found a true friend in Irene. Irene supported her, spoke truth to her, but
didn’t treat her like a child. She gave Rebekah room to grow up, to hear from the
Lord and to obey what she’d heard. Do you have a friend like that—one who
speaks truth but gives grace? One that loves you through both good and not-sogood decisions? Have you been a friend like that?
(Proverbs 17:17, Ephesians 4:15-16)
9. Rebekah said she felt closer to Daddy than Mama in spite of Daddy’s few words.
Yet she knew her mother loved her. What do you think motivated Mama’s actions
and words toward Rebekah? How could she have facilitated a different
relationship with her daughter? Have you ever felt stifled by someone’s love for
you? How did you handle that relationship?
(I Corinthians 13:1-8)
10. What advice would you give Rebekah on the eve of her wedding? What do you
imagine might happen to Frank and Rebekah over the next fifty years?