Week 25 (15 - 21 June): Conflict, Redirection and Worship in Suffering

Last Saturday, we explored a powerful passage from the apostles’ journey where Paul and Barnabas experienced disagreement, God redirected Paul’s plans, and Paul and Silas worshipped in prison. The session was rich not just in teaching, but in the testimonies we shared: real stories of how God worked through conflict, closed doors, and even suffering in our lives.

Key Teaching Points & Our Testimonies

1. Conflict – Dealing with Disagreement with Grace  

Our passage begins with a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. Yet instead of the mission collapsing, God used this conflict to launch two missionary teams instead of one. Sometimes conflict becomes a turning point for growth and expansion.

Our testimony:

Some of us shared how we learned to handle conflict at work, not by fighting for control, but by responding with grace, approaching the situation prayerfully, and surrendering the outcome to God. We reflected on how God can use conflict to prune us, shaping us to grow, and that as long as we stay close to His ways, He will always provide a way out.

2. Redirection of Plans – God’s Plans Are Better  

Paul had a clear plan for his journey, but the Holy Spirit redirected him through visions and closed doors until he reached Macedonia. God often guides through restrictions, visions, and inner convictions. Being sensitive to the Spirit means we’re willing to let go of our plans.

Our testimony:

Shea Ling shared how she longed to enter a specific educational stream, but God closed the door. Similarly, some of us have received job offers that were later withdrawn. We reflected on how rejection can actually be protection from harm we cannot see. As Isaiah 55:9 reminds us, God’s thoughts are higher than ours. His plans are always to prosper us. Our role is simple: to obey His voice. As we learned, obedience is better than sacrifice.

In our recent mission trip, Blessings for the Poor, we also saw how God took charge – and redirected our plans!  He sent an angel (Angela, that is) who was indeed a Godsend (no pun intended!!); some of us felt God’s prompting to stay longer than scheduled which led to a powerful time of ministry and healing;the Holy Spirit also redirected a change in the speaker just 3 hours before the programme!  Indeed, God was in charge of our scheduling and obeying Him led to an awesome time of worship, anointing and blessings.

3. Worship and Witness in Suffering

Paul and Silas were beaten, imprisoned, and left in darkness. Yet instead of complaining, they prayed and sang. Worship in suffering is a powerful witness. The jailer didn’t just hear their words; he saw their faith. Our response in hardship can open doors for God to save others.

Our testimony:

Jo-Ann shared an incredible story from a mission trip where the flight was cancelled and the group were left stranded at an airport overnight. Instead of panicking, they spent the evening worshipping. An airport staff member was drawn by the presence of God among them and gave her heart to Jesus. Subsequently, some members of her family and village also came to know the Lord! Hallelujah! Worship in difficult places can open doors for God’s glory to be seen.

Application :

Where in your life right now do you need to:

• Be okay with conflict but still stay united in mission?

• Let God redirect your plans?

• Worship and trust God in a difficult situation?

What’s one concrete step you can take this week to be more sensitive to the Spirit’s direction?

This session reminded us that:

• Conflict does not stop God’s mission when we respond in grace and surrender.

• Closed doors are not failures; they are often God’s protection and redirection toward better plans.

• Suffering becomes powerful when we worship in it, turning our pain into a witness.

We must remember the truth that ultimately God is in control, even in disagreement, in rejection, and in hardship. Our job is to stay close to Him, obey His voice, and trust that His plans for us are always good.

“Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.” Philippians 4:4

With love

Belimbing & Diakonia