EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Special Focus Session – From Problems to Praise

Date: November 30, 2025

From Problems to Praise

The Point: Thank God and praise Him for how He answers prayer.

Get Into the Study

Read after discussing Question 1:

AquaVenture park in western Oahu has added a new obstacle course called AquaPeakz. The already impressive playground sits on a 52-acre lagoon in Wai Kai and includes ramps, monkey bars, and bounce zones. The new AquaPeakz area includes elevated obstacles and jump platforms that are an “adrenaline rush…for teens and adults.” In addition to the new giant slides, bridges, and launchers, there’s also a new Ohana Splash Pad, designed for all ages to enjoy, along with weekly surfing shows in the wave pool.

There are several local favorites for foodies to enjoy, as well as the new Halia restaurant by the Side Street Inn near the lagoon. Halia boasts Hawaiian classics and has earned a loyal following at all its locations. There is also indoor and outdoor seating for those who want to eat as close to the water as possible.

Hawaii is considered a bucket list trip and many would jump at the chance to visit the islands, especially if they knew they only had a few years left. While once-in-a-lifetime trips and experiences would be nice to fill up the last years with, as believers, we are called to something more. We are called to live every day like our last and focus on doing God’s work and spreading the Gospel. We should seek to honor Him in our daily living so that when we find there is only a short time left, we have been successful in kingdom work.

Get Into the Study (Option for Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, play a video clip of someone describing their bucket list. Then ask Question #1.

Study the Bible

Read after discussing Question 3:

Over the summer, a stranded Pacific walrus calf was found by the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). Walrus calves typically remain with their mothers for their first five years and are particularly vulnerable when orphaned or abandoned. This particular calf, nicknamed Uki (oo-kee) by rescuers, was estimated to be only a few weeks old and in need of around the clock care.

Uki was immediately transported to the ASLC, where she was cared for by a team of animal care staffers from the Georgia Aquarium. The team created a personalized care plan that included someone being with Uki 24/7 as walruses are highly social creatures. Uki developed strong bonds with her care team and loved snuggling with them while growing to a healthy weight and size.

Due to her socialization by humans, Uki was deemed unreleasable to the wild and was moved to SeaWorld Orlando on September 18, where she was placed with an adult female walrus who could be a potential surrogate for the pup.

Just as the researchers became caretakers for Uki in a dangerous situation, God also cares for us when we go through a trial. While we may not see what He is doing or have our prayers answered the way we expect, He is always there with us during our hard times.

Study the Bible (Option for Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, play a song of praise like Casting Crowns’ “I’ll Praise You in the Storm” as you bring this study to a close. Encourage the group to make a time of praise part of their daily time with God.

The week’s writer for Extra is Emily Duncan. Emily is a Southern California native who lives in west Georgia with her husband and daughter. God saved her from Wicca when she was sixteen while at a youth retreat. Emily’s a member of Midway Church in Villa Rica and mentors young women as they transition from high school to college.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

• Why should we thank God in the midst of trials?
• What’s a favorite topic of conversation when your family gathers for a meal?
• If you could have one superpower to help you solve problems, what would it be?

Isaiah 38:9-14. When despondent, look to God.

• How would you advise someone who feels overwhelmed by problems?
• Which of these phrases describes something you felt when you went through a challenging circumstance?
• When have you been at a low point and had little or no hope for the future?

Isaiah 38:15-17. Acknowledge how God responds out of His love.

• How does God’s love give you confidence for the future regardless of present problems?
• In what ways has God shown His great love to you amid a trial?
• How does giving thanks to God, impact your walk with God?  

Isaiah 38:18-20. Express your thanks to God publicly.

• Why is it important to thank God publicly for His gracious help?
• Why is it important to share answered prayer with other people?
• Why is it important for us to express thanks both publicly and privately?

Podcast

Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.