Recap:

We are beginning a new sermon series today called “Asking for a Friend.” This phrase is often used to pose a question that one is too embarrassed to ask for oneself, but it’s clear the question is personal. This series will explore this concept from a serious perspective, delving into a topic that is not frequently discussed in the church: disappointment with God.

Asking for a Friend: Disappointment with God

Is it acceptable to be disappointed in God? What should we do with this disappointment? What happens when God doesn’t appear the way we expected? Where is God during these moments?

A memory from my own life recently resurfaced that is relevant to this topic. My family has experienced moments that prompted me to ask, “Where is God?” We have four children: two daughters in their early twenties, a 19-year-old, and a 16-year-old. When my daughters were very young—one was nearly three, and the other was six months old—they were involved in a severe car accident. They were with their babysitter on Highway 69 in South Overland Park, heading home to Lewisburg. Following a truck, the babysitter struck a large metal object that had fallen from the vehicle. The car flipped multiple times, and paramedics arrived expecting fatalities. Miraculously, the babysitter sustained only a broken foot and a few scratches, and my daughters were unharmed.

The paramedics, amazed by this outcome, wanted to publicize the importance of properly securing children in car seats. Our story was featured on Channel 9 News. My older daughter, blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation, was twirling and spinning for the camera, while my wife spoke eloquently about the experience. I sat there, silently nodding.

The story aired, followed by a tragic news piece about a three-year-old boy who had drowned in his bathtub. As a father of two girls miraculously saved, I found myself asking, “Where was God for that family? Why were my children spared, but not that little boy?” I shared this with our church staff, and some wondered why I was allowed to question God so openly. However, I believe we must be honest and ask these hard questions because we all face such moments.

Where is God in Our Disappointments?

This could be in various areas of life: jobs, businesses, marriages, relationships, finances, or even church experiences. Each of us has faced or will face times when things don’t go as expected, leading us to question, “Where is God?”

This question is one of the oldest on earth, exemplified by the story of Job. Job had everything—wealth, family, and a beautiful life. Yet, Satan challenged God, claiming people only love Him because their lives are good. God allowed Satan to test Job, stripping away everything but his life. Despite immense suffering, Job remained faithful, though he did question, “Where is God?”

Job’s story resonates with many of us. We may not understand why things happen the way they do, and sometimes, there are no easy answers. However, we can find hope in two key concepts: redemption and purpose.

Redemption

God wants to redeem the pain and suffering we experience. In the stories of Noah, Abraham, and Joseph, we see immense trials followed by redemption. Noah endured the loss of everything but found new purpose in God’s covenant. Abraham waited 25 years for the promise of a son, fulfilled at the perfect time. Joseph suffered greatly but eventually rose to a position where he could save many, including his family.

What was meant for evil, God used for good. This is the essence of redemption. God wants to redeem the pain in our lives for our good and His glory.

Purpose

In addition to redemption, God gives us purpose in our pain. Viktor Frankl, a psychologist and Holocaust survivor, wrote about finding meaning even in suffering. He emphasized looking to the future to find purpose.

Jesus himself promised we would face trouble but also assured us He has overcome the world. Our origin story as followers of Jesus includes His ultimate suffering and sacrifice, which gave us the ability to connect with God.

Conclusion

We can find hope in knowing that God wants to redeem our pain and give us purpose through it. Even when we don’t have all the answers, we can look to the future and trust that God is working for our good.

If you are experiencing pain, ask God to redeem it and give you purpose. Remember, only a suffering God can truly help. He understands our pain and is with us, comforting us.

Let us pray together, asking God to reveal His redemption and purpose in our lives, and to be our comfort in times of suffering.

 

Group Questions:

Icebreaker Questions

  1. Have you ever used the phrase “asking for a friend” in a humorous or serious context? Share a time when you wanted to ask something but felt embarrassed to do so openly.
  2. What is one word that comes to mind when you hear the term “disappointment with God”? Why?
  3. Can you recall a time when someone else’s story of survival or success made you question your own experiences or feelings? How did you process those emotions?

Discussion Questions

Disappointment with God

  1. Is it acceptable to be disappointed in God? Have you ever felt this way? Share a personal experience where you felt disappointed with God.
  2. When things don’t go as expected in your life, what questions arise in your heart about God’s presence or plan?
  3. Why do you think it’s essential to acknowledge and express feelings of disappointment with God rather than suppress them?

Exploring Job’s Story

  1. How does the story of Job resonate with your own life experiences? What lessons can we learn from Job’s faithfulness despite his suffering?
  2. Job questioned, “Where is God?” during his trials. What are some areas in your life where you have asked the same question?
  3. In what ways do you think Job’s story challenges the notion that good things happen only to good people?

Redemption

  1. What does redemption mean to you personally? Can you identify a time when God redeemed a painful experience in your life?
  2. Reflecting on the stories of Noah, Abraham, and Joseph, how do you see God’s redemption working through seemingly hopeless situations?
  3. How can embracing the concept of redemption transform our perspective on current or past disappointments?

Purpose in Pain

  1. Viktor Frankl spoke about finding purpose in suffering. How do you personally seek to find purpose in difficult times?
  2. What role does your faith play in helping you find meaning and purpose amid suffering?
  3. In what ways can understanding Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice help us find comfort and purpose in our own pain?

Application and Reflection

  1. Reflect on a specific disappointment you’re currently facing. How might God be working to redeem this situation or reveal a purpose through it?
  2. How can you support someone else who is experiencing disappointment with God? What steps can you take to be a source of comfort and encouragement?
  3. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek God’s redemption and purpose in your life?

Prayer Focus

  • Invite group members to share specific areas of disappointment or pain they wish to lift to God in prayer.
  • Pray together, asking God to reveal His redemption and purpose in each person’s life and to provide comfort and strength during difficult times.