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I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hit from thee – Psalm 38.8 and 9
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away - Revelation 21.4
Every time we hear of diseases around us. Malaria, high blood pressure, viruses, strokes, cancer and other diseases affect us and our friends. It can raise questions.
Why am I sick? Did I sin?
We asked God to heal our friend, but he is still sick
In the Old Testament God warned people before He sent a disaster. Why doesn’t He do that these days?
Many people in my family are sick. What is going on?
My neighbour doesn’t go to church and enjoys life but those who are Christian seem to be troubled a lot.
Sometimes one disease comes after the other and questions remain unanswered. We worry, feel lonely and lost. Some people think it is better to die than to face all the problems.
The Bible tells us about people who have experienced the same as us. They had the same questions. Let’s see what the Bible tells us about dealing with diseases.
The source of diseases
The first chapters of the Bible tell us that God created heaven and earth[1]. Everything was in perfect harmony: God, people and the rest of creation.
In Genesis 3 we read what happened after creation: Adam and Eve, who were the first people created by God, disobeyed their Creator[2]. Since that time everything has changed[3]: the earth is cursed because of sin[4]. All bad things in our lives are consequences of the curse that has death as result[5]: a broken relationship with God, gossiping, diseases, hating each other, biting snakes, mosquito’s that bring us malaria and so on.
The whole world is cursed by God; anyone can get sick. Whether you are poor or rich, educated or uneducated: in your life there will be diseases and one day you will die[6]. Being sick remind us of the first sin in Paradise.
God is in control
Although everything changed after the first sin in Paradise, God didn’t change. He continues to take care of His creation[7]. He is in control[8]: nothing happens by coincidence or chance. This is called His providence.
It is clear in the Bible that God is not the source of sin and its consequences. At the same time there are many examples of how the almighty Ruler uses them to reach His purpose: His own glory. Let’s think about some biblical examples:
The Israelites in the desert sinned against God[9]: they mocked against Him. Therefore God sent snakes as punishment. Many were bitten, got sick and died. The Israelites realised they had to repent from their sin. God can use problems like diseases to punish nations for moral disobedience and to make them understand their need for God[10].
During Jesus’ time on earth His disciples asked Him why a certain man was blind: had he sinned or maybe his parents?[11] Jesus told them that man wasn’t blind because of any specific sin but for the power of God to be seen. It was the same for Lazarous, a friend of Jesus, who got sick[12]. Jesus waited to visit him till he died, because people needed His teachings about Himself to glorify God. God can use problems like diseases to teach us something we need to know about ourselves or God[13].
Job was a God-fearing man[14]. Despite that he lost all he had: his children, possessions and health. In His wisdom God allowed satan to treat Job like that, but God set satan boundaries: he could not take his life. God used the circumstances to test Job’s faith. God can use problems like diseases to test our faith to see if we persevere trusting Him despite circumstances[15].
These are examples of how the almighty sovereign God can use diseases in our lives for His glory which is the ultimate purpose of creation. At the same time questions can remain unanswered, because it is only for God to know everything[16]. God knows what is best[17]. Therefore we need to endure distress[18] and be grateful to Him in prosperity[19]. If God is your Father through Jesus, you do not need to worry about the future[20]: in His providence everything works for your good and will result in glorifying Him forever[21].
God’s Kingdom
When Jesus, God’s Son, was on earth He healed many sick people and died on the cross to bear the curse of sin for His children[22]. Therefore God’s children will be with Him in Heaven for ever. In Heaven everything is in perfect harmony as it was right after creation[23]: diseases, death and sin are not there.
If you are God’s child, diseases are still part of your life on earth[24], but remember that God is almighty and He uses diseases for His glory[25]. You may look forward being with Him in Heaven where no disease will affect you anymore[26].
If you are not God’s child at this moment, Heaven will not be your home, unless you repent from your sins and depend on Jesus for salvation. If you are not saved when you die, you will be in hell with satan forever. Jesus is willing and able to set you free from the curse of sin[27]. That is what He taught people through His miracles: He is God’s Son Who was promised to come to save people from their sin[28].
How do we need to respond to diseases?
Let us see how we should respond biblically towards diseases.
Pray to God for help. The Bible shows examples of people in need who prayed to God[29]. God answered them in the way He thought is best. Trust God that He knows what is best for us and glorify Him always[30].
If you are sick, think about your life and ask yourself if God punishes you because of a specific sin you committed. If yes, confess and repent[31]. When you can’t find it, leave it and surrender your life to Him[32]. Don’t blame others of being sick because of a sin they committed, because it is easy to be wrong in your judgement[33].
Taking precautions, being careful and seeking medical help are encouraged in the Bible and not contradictory to trusting God[34], but not all means are allowed[35]. Know that that trusting in something more than trusting in God is sin.
Weakness is not an obstacle for God[36]. There are examples in the Bible that God chose weak people for His glory.
Think about Jesus’ suffering on earth for His children. He knows what they go through when they suffer and is compassionate[37].
Be prepared to die[38]. Only those who solely depend on Jesus (for salvation and all their needs) are prepared[39].
Be grateful if you are healthy and help those who are sick[40]. The Bible encourages us to take care of those who are in need.
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
Even though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
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[1] Genesis 1 and 2, [2] Genesis 3.6, [3] Genesis 3.14-19, [4] Genesis 3.17, [5] Romans 5.12, [6] Hebrews 9.27, [7] Hebrews 1.3, Psalm 104.5-15, [8] Matthew 28.18, Psalm 66.7, Proverbs 16.9, [9] Numeri 21.4-9, [10] Exodus 15.24, 2 Thessalonians 1.8, Acts 5.1-1, Deuteronomy 28, [11] John 9, [12] John 11.1-6, [13] 2 Corinthians 4.7, [14] Job 1, [15] 1 Peter 1.7, James 1.2-12, Psalm 66.10, [16] Deuteronomy 29.29, Job 15.8, [17] Romans 8.28, [18] Romans 5.3, [19] Deuteronomy 8.1, [20] Revelation 2.10, [21] Matthew 6.25-34, Psalm 55.22, 1 Peter 1.6-, [22] Galatians 3.13, [23] Revelation 21, [24] Philippians 1.29, [25] Hebrews 2.10, Hebrews 12.6-11, 1 Peter 4.13, [26] Romans 8.18, [27] Luke 13.34, [28] Luke 4.41, John 20.30 and 31, Matthew 18.11, [29] Isaiah 26.16, Mark 5.23, Luke 5.12, [30] 1 Corinthians 10.13, Ephesians 5.20, [31] 1 John 1, [32] Job 2.10, [33] Job 42.7, [34] Proverbs 22.3, Genesis 41.36, Matthew 9.12, [35] Leviticus 19.31, [36] 2 Corinthians 12.9 and 10, [37] Hebrews 4.15, Isaiah 53.3, 2 Corinthians 1.5, [38] Isaiah 38.1, [39] 1 John 5.12, [40] Galatians 6.2
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