Worship and Personal Testimony
Pastor Cynthia Toms
September 27, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: The God Who Desires to Know Us
Opening Statement: God desires to be known by us and did everything it took to come down and be with us.
Transition: One way we experience God’s presence is through the stories and testimonies of others around us, where His work is powerfully evident.
Purpose: Today, we’ll explore how God is actively at work in our lives, through the powerful testimony of our guest, Cynthia Toms.
God’s Presence in Our Midst
God is always at work around us
He is present in every detail of our lives, orchestrating moments for His purpose.
His desire is not to be distant but to be involved in the intimate aspects of our stories.
The power of hearing others’ stories
When we hear testimonies, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness.
Testimonies are a way for us to witness God's reality in action.
Cynthia Toms’ story as an example of how God can show up in unexpected and life-changing ways.
Cynthia Toms’ Testimony: God’s Faithfulness in the Journey
Life in Uganda: The Call to Serve
Cynthia and her husband’s decision to live and serve in Uganda.
Their plans for family and ministry, with dreams of raising their child in Uganda’s vibrant community.
The Unexpected Crisis: Facing Life-Threatening Preeclampsia
Cynthia’s experience with preeclampsia and the fear it brought.
The reality of being in a place without adequate medical resources.
How this crisis led to a deeper dependence on God’s intervention and faithfulness.
Witnessing God’s Miracles and Provision
Small miracles that God provided in their journey to safety and health.
The birth of her son as a testimony of God’s grace and mercy.
God’s Greater Plan Unfolding
How their family’s journey from Uganda to Indiana was not what they envisioned but was part of God’s greater plan.
Finding purpose in raising awareness for maternal health and guiding students to learn about God’s work in Uganda.
The beauty of seeing God’s plan come full circle with her son returning to Uganda and being mentored by those they served.
Key Lessons From Cynthia’s Story
God’s Plan is Greater Than Our Script
We often have our plans, but God’s vision for our lives is far greater and more fulfilling.
Trusting in God means allowing Him to rewrite our stories for His glory.
God is Present in Our Pain and Challenges
Even in the most challenging moments, God never abandons us.
He shows His power and faithfulness when we are at our weakest.
The Power of Sharing Our Stories
Sharing testimonies is a way to declare God’s goodness and encourage others.
Our stories are part of God’s bigger picture, impacting others in ways we might never realize.
Practical Applications: How We Can Respond to God’s Presence
Embrace God’s Work in Your Life
Be open to God rewriting your story in ways you didn’t expect.
Trust that He is present, even in difficult circumstances.
Share Your Testimony
Take courage to share how God has been faithful in your life, just as Cynthia did.
Your story could be the encouragement someone else needs to see God’s presence.
Look for God’s Faithfulness in Everyday Moments
Practice gratitude and reflection to recognize the ways God is at work in your life.
Engage in prayer and worship as a way to acknowledge His ongoing involvement.
Conclusion: God is Writing a Greater Story
Reaffirming God’s Desire to Be With Us
God’s faithfulness and desire to be known is evident in every story He writes.
Invitation to Recognize and Share His Work in Our Lives
Encourage the congregation to be open to God’s presence and to share their stories of His faithfulness.
Closing Prayer: Thanking God for His steadfast love, faithfulness, and the privilege of being part of His story.
Benediction
Scripture: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Blessing: May you go forth recognizing God’s presence, trusting in His faithfulness, and boldly sharing your story of His work in your life. Amen.
Biblical References
John 1:14
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Emphasizes that God did everything it took to come down and be with us.
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Relates to Cynthia’s experience with God being present during her life-threatening situation.
Isaiah 55:8-9
"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'"
Highlights how God's plan for our lives is often different but greater than our own scripts, as seen in Cynthia's journey.
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Reinforces the message that God is always at work, even in challenging situations, to bring about His purpose.
Lamentations 3:22-23
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflects Cynthia's song and serves as a reminder of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
Revelation 12:11
"They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
Emphasizes the power and importance of sharing our testimonies, just as Cynthia shared hers.
Reflection Questions
How has God shown up in your life in moments when you felt alone or uncertain? Can you identify a time when His presence brought you comfort or direction?
In what ways has God’s faithfulness rewritten a plan or path in your life that you originally had scripted for yourself? How did His plan differ from your expectations?
Think about a challenging experience you've faced. How did you witness God's power and provision during that time, even when the outcome was uncertain?
How has hearing the testimonies of others, like Cynthia's story, encouraged you to see God’s work in your own life? What personal story of God’s faithfulness could you share with someone this week?
Reflect on a time when God placed someone in your life to mentor, guide, or support you. How can you be that source of encouragement and guidance to others in your current circumstances?
Daily Activities
1. Testimony Reflection Journal
Activity: Spend 15 minutes each day this week reflecting on a moment when you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life.
Application: Write down how you felt, what you learned, and how God showed up in that moment. This practice helps you recognize God's presence and involvement in your story.
2. Share Your Story
Activity: Find one person this week to share a testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life.
Application: Just as Cynthia shared her journey, take a step of faith and openly talk about how God has made a difference for you. This encourages others to see God’s work in their own lives.
3. Encourage Someone Else
Activity: Identify someone going through a challenging time and take time to pray for them.
Application: Send them a message of encouragement, reminding them that God is with them in their journey, just as He was with Cynthia. This act helps us live out God's love and support in tangible ways.
4. Create a "Faithfulness Board"
Activity: Create a visual board at home or in your workspace displaying pictures, quotes, or Bible verses that remind you of God’s faithfulness in your life.
Application: Each time you see it, take a moment to thank God for being present. This will help you stay mindful of His continued presence and grace.
5. Serve in Your Community
Activity: Commit to one act of service this week that reflects God’s love and faithfulness.
Application: Whether volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor, or supporting a friend in need, let your actions be a testimony of God’s love working through you. This reinforces the idea that we are part of God’s work in our community.
