Why does God allow His children to suffer illness? We plead with God as we watch a loved one battle cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, addictions, or even, mental illness. Our heart bleeds watching children who battle against rare diseases, deformities, and cancers. Our pleading prayers appear to our finite minds as unanswered. Some try to say that God’s response shows that either He doesn’t care about our plight or that our weak faith binds His hands or the illness represents His harsh hand of punishment. Nothing could be farther from the truth than these three thoughts. Despite that, many false teachers prey on our hearts by suggesting that if we give them our money, they can heal us. So, let’s consider; once more, why God allows illness in the life of His children? Let’s deal with the 3 false statements above, displaying God’s truth instead.
ILLNESS DOESN’T MEAN GOD DOESN’T CARE
Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, lay sick. When Jesus heard word of his friend’s illness, He did not go to Lazarus to heal him, nor did He speak a word which could have healed Lazarus; instead, Jesus waited. Lazarus died, and still Jesus waited. Why? Did Jesus not care about the suffering of Lazarus or his sisters, Mary and Martha? Certainly, the answer to that question is NO!
The scripture, in fact; says:
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. John 11 (NKJV)
Did you catch that? Jesus loved…so He stayed two more days before going to where Lazarus was. In other words, because Jesus loved, He waited. He wanted to show them something bigger, greater than they had ever known. God’s Glory shown forth brilliantly when Jesus revealed His Power over death! He waited so all could see a glimpse of God’s Glory. Look throughout scripture and you will discover that God often revealed Himself through suffering.
God remains more concerned with our spiritual health and growth than our physical comfort; because, He loves us and knows our joy in Him can only be fulfilled by our knowing Him fully. Our hearts need to be transformed. Pain and suffering exposes our weaknesses, our selfishness and our sin filled hearts. These cannot be healed unless they are first exposed. God knows best what we need before we were ever born; to lead us and guide us into a place of perfect joy and peace in Him. He ever so gently guides us into that intimate knowledge of Him; because, He knows only there can our spirit find rest, hope, and joy.
GOD’S RESPONSE TO OUR ILLNESS DOESN’T DEPEND ON THE STRENGTH OF OUR FAITH
Many modern-day teachers and preachers falsely proclaim a “prosperity” gospel, declaring that one can have all the financial gain and health if only their faith were strong enough. Because our self-exalting heart desires that kind of message, they gather huge audiences. We don’t want to hear the truth that our journey here will be filled with trials and tribulations; however, the good news remains that Jesus walks with us through each trial, providing us with strength, hope and joy in the middle of our trials. The greater miracle shines forth as His Beloved Children trust Him and rise above the trials, lovingly reaching out to others in need with genuine smiles of great joy.
Paul the apostle suffered from an impediment for which he pleaded with God to heal him; yet, God said no. Consider Paul, not someone of whom we could say did not have enough faith!
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
The truth: Paul’s faith trusted God, even with the infirmity; knowing that God could do whatever He wanted and chose to not heal Paul, rather, to strengthen Him through the illness. Faith shines it’s brightest when a follower of Christ trusts God with all His or Her heart, even when facing the greatest heartbreaks of this world.
IS ILLNESS PUNISHMENT FOR SIN?
No! Certainly, there are illnesses which are direct consequences of our sins; but, that does not mean every illness God sends into a believer’s life came because of sin. Indeed, illness exposes the sins of our hearts; however, even the most dedicated servants of God become ill. That was the case with Epaphroditus. The church of Philippi had sent Epaphroditus to bring money and comfort to Paul, while in prison. Yet, while there, he became very ill “nigh unto death”; while, doing God’s work. Paul grieved that this dear man became so ill. The church at Philippi grieved as well; yet, now Paul rejoiced that God chose to heal Epaphroditus and he could now return to Philippi, rejoicing and bringing hope, joy and love to that young church.
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life Philippians 2:30
Or look back at the book of Job. Certainly, Job learned of God’s wonder and majesty through the trials; but, he had been a faithful servant before the trials. Often, God sends trials to those who are most faithful; because, He wants to give them more of Himself
I PETER 2: TLB
21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[l] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned,
nor ever deceived anyone.[m]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
FINAL THOUGHT
I do not know what sorrow, pain or suffering you face today; but, I do know that God loves you and all He desires for you is good and He will work all things together for your good, if you lay it all at the foot of the cross.
If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]Because God Loves us, He wants to have a closer relationship with Him[/tweetthis]
[tweetthis]No matter what, I KNOW God’s Plan for me is always good, all the time[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Illness trials & sorrows often bring us to the foot of the cross; where, we find peace and joy” username=”effiedarlene”]
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
I wrote and published Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley as a revised version in 2011 from the first writings I did in 2003. If you want to know more about the books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
featured Photo by David Cohen on Unsplash
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.