What to Do When God Doesn't Do What You Asked | Week 2
January 11, 2026 | By Jim Burgen
What if your anger isn’t just anger—what if it’s grief that never got healed?
In the kickoff to the book of John, Jim Burgen opens the door on something most of us never admit: we’re angry, not because we’re bad—but because we’re wounded. Life has been unfair. People left, betrayed, or abused us. And we’ve used passion, even religion, to mask the fire still burning inside. But what if the Word of God isn’t just a book of rules? What if it’s the only thing strong enough to hold your life together when everything else is falling apart?
John started as an angry young man—ready to fight, prove himself, and burn people down who didn’t agree with him. But Jesus didn’t shame him for it. He served him. He washed his feet. And over time, that kind of love turned the Son of Thunder into the Apostle of Love. That same love is still alive, speaking through God’s Word, ready to heal whatever rage or wound still drives you. Nothing else works. But Jesus can.
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Set List
"I Know A Name" by Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, and Steven Furtick
"Same God" by Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Pat Barrett, and Steven Furtick
"Elohim" by Brian Johnson, Gable Patrick Price, and Noah Paul Harrison
"Goodness Of God" by Ed Cash and Jenn Johnson
Discussion Questions
Transactional, Conditional Jesus
Jim Burgen
Jan 10th, 2026
// Bible References: John 2:1-5, 11; 3:16; 6:14-15; Luke 5:23-26; Ps 73: 25-26; Habakkuk 3:17-18; Proverbs 3:5-6
// Community Question: How many of us in this group have already quit on our New Years Resolution?
// Discussion Questions
- Jim discusses how many people start their faith journey with a contractual relationship with Jesus. What are the potential problems with viewing our relationship with God as only as transactional? Have you ever found yourself making deals with God? How has this affected your faith when things didn't go as expected?
- In the wedding at Cana story (John 2), what does Jesus's response to Mary reveal about the difference between our immediate concerns and God's larger purpose? How do you balance bringing your immediate needs to God while trusting His larger plan for your life?
- Jim shared that when life gets hard, we often land in one of two places: “Something is wrong with me” or “Something is wrong with God.” When you face disappointment, pain, or unmet expectations, which direction do your thoughts tend to go and why do you think that is? How has that belief shaped the way you talk to God or see yourself?
- Going Deeper: Read Luke 5:23–26. In this moment, Jesus uses physical healing to reveal His greater authority to forgive sins, showing that spiritual restoration comes before physical relief. What stands out to you about what Jesus chooses to prioritize, and how might this shift the way you view unanswered prayers or unmet needs in your own life?
// Challenge: Jim challenged us to anchor our hearts in God’s truth by memorizing Scripture. This week, choose one of these passages and sit with it daily:
- Psalm 73:25–26
- Habakkuk 3:17–18
- Proverbs 3:5–6
Commit to memorizing it slowly this week, not for performance but for presence.