Week+1

 1) Describe Stanley's experiences at school. If you were Stanley, how would these experiences affect you?

2) The author writes that in spite of all their bad luck, Stanley's family always remained hopeful. They reasoned, however, that if they weren't always hopeful it wouldn't hurt so much when their hopes were crushed.

Which of the following best describes your outlook? Which of the following do you think is the best outlook to have? Why?

"Hope for the best; expect the best." "Hope for the best; expect the worst." "Hope for the best; have no expectations." "Do not hope; have no expectations." "There is no hope."

3) We often use the word //hope// as a synonym for //wish.// For example, people will say they //hope// the weather will be favorable. In the Bible, however, the word //hope// is often used as a synonym for //confidence.// To "have hope" means to wait confidently, with expectation.

Read Romans 4:18-5:5. How does the idea of hope as //having confidence// affect your understanding of this passage?

4) Read Proverbs 31:10-31. How do the qualities mentioned in these verses compare or contrast with Myra Menke's qualities?

 5) The author writes that Elya thought nothing of the curse. he was just 15, and even a week seemed like an "eternity" to him. What dangers do you think there are in not considering the future?

 6) Read Proverbs 16:1-4, 9; Proverbs 19:20-21; and Jeremiah 29:11-13. What do these verses tell us about how the plans of people relate to the plans of God?