Choosing Worship: Testimonies of Faith in Adversity
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family at Harvest Church to celebrate the power of testimony, the importance of attitude, and the faithfulness of God in every season of life. We began by highlighting our ongoing partnerships with local outreaches—Sand Springs Community Services, Anderson Schools, and Dayspring Women’s Shelter—emphasizing that generosity is not just about giving, but about joining God’s work in our community. Our giving is an act of worship, a way to steward what God has entrusted to us so that His kingdom can be advanced right here in Sand Springs.
We continued our “Our Stories” series, focusing on the truth that God’s faithfulness in one person’s life is a promise for all of us. Testimonies are not just stories; they are living proof that God is still moving, still providing, and still delivering. I shared how, even though my own story may not be dramatic, God’s hand of protection and provision has been evident throughout my life. We heard from Miss Darlene Lundy, whose journey through cancer was marked not by fear, but by worship and trust. Her response to pain was to praise, and her attitude became a catalyst for God’s miraculous intervention.
We looked at Acts 16, where Paul and Silas, after being beaten and thrown into the deepest part of the prison, chose to worship instead of despair. Their praise not only brought their own deliverance but also impacted everyone around them, including the jailer and his entire family. This is a powerful reminder that our response to suffering and hardship can open doors for others to encounter God’s grace.
The heart of today’s gathering was this: attitude is everything. Life will inevitably bring challenges, but we have a choice in how we respond. Will we let fear and discouragement define us, or will we choose to worship, trust, and look for what God is doing behind the scenes? God is always moving the chess pieces, even when we can’t see it. Our praise in the midst of pain is not just for us—it’s for those around us, for our families, and for our community. And above all, the invitation remains open for anyone who wants to experience the peace, comfort, and power that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Generosity is a Partnership with God’s Mission
Giving is not just a transaction; it’s a partnership with God to meet real needs in our community. When we give, we’re not only supporting local outreaches but also participating in God’s redemptive work. Our resources become tools in God’s hands to bring hope, healing, and transformation to others. This is stewardship that echoes into eternity. [26:01]
- Testimony is a Weapon Against Fear and Doubt
Sharing what God has done in our lives is one of the most powerful ways to encourage faith in others and ourselves. Even if your story doesn’t seem dramatic, God’s faithfulness in the ordinary is just as miraculous as in the extraordinary. When we testify, we remind ourselves and others that if God did it before, He can do it again. Our stories sharpen one another and build a culture of hope. [37:49]
- Worship in the Midst of Pain Unlocks God’s Provision
Paul and Silas, and Miss Darlene, both faced moments of deep suffering and uncertainty. Their choice to worship in the darkest hour was not denial, but a declaration of trust in God’s character. Worship shifts our focus from our circumstances to God’s sovereignty, and it often becomes the very key that unlocks breakthrough—not just for us, but for those around us. [01:01:00]
- Your Response Impacts More Than Just You
When Paul and Silas praised God in prison, the chains fell off not only for them but for every prisoner. Miss Darlene’s faith and attitude have ministered to countless people in our church. Our choices in adversity ripple outward, influencing families, friends, and even strangers. God’s blessings are never meant to stop with us—they are meant to overflow into our circles of influence. [01:05:06]
- God is Always Working, Even When We Don’t See It
Life will “punch us in the face,” but God is never absent or idle. He is always moving, orchestrating, and redeeming even the hardest moments for our good and His glory. The challenge is to ask, “What can I learn through this?” and to trust that what the enemy meant for evil, God can turn for good. Our attitude of faith and expectation positions us to see God’s hand at work, even in the unseen. [01:08:39]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Guest Card and Outreach Introduction
[02:30] - Local Outreach Partners Overview
[05:30] - Giving as Worship and Offering Instructions
[09:00] - Prayer for Generosity and Stewardship
[11:30] - Online and Alternative Giving Options
[13:30] - Introduction to “Our Stories” Series
[16:00] - The Power of Testimony
[19:00] - Pastor Chris’s Personal Story
[22:00] - Testimony of God’s Provision
[26:00] - Miss Darlene Lundy’s Story, Part 1
[37:49] - Facing Fear and Choosing Worship
[49:30] - Acts 16: Paul and Silas in Prison
[01:01:00] - Worship in the Darkest Hour
[01:05:06] - The Ripple Effect of Praise
[01:08:39] - God’s Faithfulness in Hardship
[01:15:15] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Challenge
[01:17:25] - Final Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Harvest Church Small Group Bible Study Guide
*Based on the sermon: “Our Stories – The Power of Testimony, Attitude, and God’s Faithfulness”*
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### Bible Reading
Acts 16:16–34 (ESV)
16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.
17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.
20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.
21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.”
22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.
23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.
24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,
26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.
27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”
29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
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### Observation Questions
1. What did Paul and Silas do after being beaten and thrown into the inner prison, and how did the other prisoners respond?
[[01:01:00]]
2. According to the sermon, what was Miss Darlene’s response when she first heard about her cancer diagnosis?
[[49:30]]
3. What happened as a result of Paul and Silas’s worship in prison? Who else was affected besides them?
[[01:05:06]]
4. In the sermon, what does Pastor Chris say about the importance of attitude during hard times?
[[01:04:01]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul and Silas chose to worship and pray instead of giving in to fear or despair while in prison? What does this reveal about their view of God?
[[01:01:00]]
2. The sermon says, “Attitude is everything.” How does the attitude of worship in the middle of pain change the outcome for both Paul and Silas and Miss Darlene?
[[01:04:01]]
3. The jailer and his whole family were saved because of what happened in the prison. What does this teach us about how our responses to suffering can impact others?
[[01:05:06]]
4. Pastor Chris mentions that God is always “moving the chess pieces” even when we can’t see it. How does this perspective help someone walk through difficult seasons?
[[01:08:39]]
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### Application Questions
1. When you face a tough situation, what is your first reaction—fear, complaining, or worship? Can you think of a recent time when you chose (or didn’t choose) to worship in the middle of a hard moment? What happened?
[[49:30]]
2. Pastor Chris said, “Attitude is everything.” What is one area of your life right now where you need to shift your attitude from fear or discouragement to trust and praise? What would that look like this week?
[[01:04:01]]
3. Miss Darlene’s testimony encouraged many people in the church. Is there a story from your own life—big or small—where you’ve seen God’s faithfulness? How could sharing that story encourage someone else this week?
[[37:49]]
4. Paul and Silas’s worship didn’t just set them free; it set others free too. Who in your life might be impacted by the way you respond to your own struggles? How can you be intentional about letting your faith “ripple out” to others?
[[01:05:06]]
5. The sermon talked about generosity as a partnership with God’s mission. What is one practical way you can use your resources (time, money, skills) to join in what God is doing in your community this month?
[[26:01]]
6. Pastor Chris challenged us to ask, “What can I learn through this?” when life gets hard. Is there a current challenge where you need to stop and ask God what He wants to teach you? What step could you take to listen for His answer?
[[01:08:39]]
7. The invitation was given for anyone to experience the peace and comfort that comes from a relationship with Jesus. If you don’t feel that peace right now, what is holding you back from seeking it? If you do have it, how can you help someone else find it?
[[01:15:15]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person respond with faith, worship, and generosity in every season.
Devotional
Day 1: Praise and Worship in the Midst of Trials
When faced with hardship, Paul and Silas chose to worship and pray rather than give in to fear or despair, demonstrating that our response in the darkest moments can open the door for God’s miraculous intervention. Their praise not only brought freedom for themselves but also impacted everyone around them, showing that worship in adversity is a powerful testimony to others and a catalyst for God’s provision. When you find yourself in a place of pain, uncertainty, or fear, remember that your praise can shift the atmosphere—not just for you, but for those who witness your faith. [01:01:00]
Acts 16:25-34 (ESV)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Reflection: When you are in a difficult or painful situation, what would it look like for you to intentionally choose worship and praise instead of fear or self-pity today?
Day 2: The Power of Testimony
Sharing your story of God’s faithfulness is not just for your benefit, but for the encouragement and strengthening of others; as iron sharpens iron, your testimony can inspire hope and faith in those who hear it. Even if you feel your story is ordinary, God’s provision and protection in your life is a powerful witness that He is active and able to do the same for others. Don’t underestimate the impact of simply telling others how God has moved in your life—your testimony may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to trust God in their own circumstances. [37:49]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your story of God’s faithfulness with this week, and how might your testimony encourage them in their own journey?
Day 3: Attitude is Everything
Your perspective in the midst of trials shapes your experience and your witness; choosing to see God’s hand at work, even in pain or uncertainty, allows you to grow, learn, and become a source of hope for others. Instead of blaming God or giving in to negativity, look for how He might be using your situation for a greater purpose, and trust that He is still moving the chess pieces on your behalf. When you choose gratitude and faith over bitterness, you open yourself to God’s comfort and to being used as a blessing in the lives of those around you. [01:04:01]
Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your attitude from complaint or fear to gratitude and trust, and how can you practice that shift today?
Day 4: God’s Provision is for a Purpose
God’s blessings and deliverance in your life are not just for your own comfort, but so you can be a channel of His love, encouragement, and help to others in your circle of influence. Just as Paul and Silas’s freedom led to the salvation of the jailer’s household, and Miss Darlene’s healing allowed her to minister to many, your story and your resources are meant to impact those around you. Ask God to show you how you can use what He’s given you—your experiences, your time, your gifts—to serve and uplift others, knowing that He has placed you where you are for a reason. [01:05:06]
Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Reflection: In what specific way can you use your story, resources, or time this week to bless or encourage someone else in your community?
Day 5: Trusting God’s Unseen Work
Even when you can’t see how God is moving, trust that He is working behind the scenes for your good, orchestrating circumstances and preparing the way for your deliverance and growth. Life will bring unexpected challenges, but God’s faithfulness remains; He is able to turn what the enemy meant for evil into something good, and He invites you to seek Him for peace, guidance, and growth in every season. Instead of asking “Why me?” ask “What can I learn?” and “How can I grow?”—knowing that God is with you and will bring you through. [01:17:25]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust that God is working behind the scenes, and how can you surrender your fears or doubts to Him in prayer today?
Quotes
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