Why does God allow sickness?

Response

The topic of illness is consistently challenging to address. The crucial point to remember is that God’s ways surpass ours “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”, (Isaiah 55:9). When we are enduring sickness, disease, or injury, we often focus solely on our own suffering. Amid a trial of sickness, it is exceedingly difficult to concentrate on the potential good that God may bring about. Romans 8:28 serves as a reminder that God can bring good out of any situation. Many individuals reflect on periods of sickness as times when they drew closer to God, deepened their trust in Him, and/or learned to truly appreciate life. This is the divine perspective because God is sovereign and knows the ultimate outcome.

This does not imply that sickness always originates from God or that God always afflicts us with sickness to impart a spiritual lesson. In a world tainted by sin, sickness, disease, and death will always be present. We are fallen beings, with physical bodies susceptible to disease and illness. Some sickness is merely a consequence of the natural order of things in this world. Sickness can also be the result of a demonic assault. The Bible recounts several instances where physical suffering was instigated by Satan and his demons (Matthew 17:14-18;Luke 13:10-16). Therefore, some sickness does not originate from God but from Satan. Even in such cases, God remains in control. At times, God permits sin and/or Satan to cause physical suffering. Even when sickness does not directly come from God, He willI still use it according to His perfect will.

It is undeniable, though, that God sometimes intentionally allows, or even causes sickness to accomplish His sovereign purposes. While sickness is not directly addressed in the passage, Hebrews 12:5-11 describes God disciplining us to “produce a harvest of righteousness” (verse 11). Sickness can be a means of God’s loving discipline. It is difficult for us to comprehend why God would work in this manner. But, believing in the sovereignty of God, there is no other option than suffering being something God allows and/or causes.

The clearest example of this in Scripture is found in Psalm 119. Notice the progression through verses 67, 71, and 75 – “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word…It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees…I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” The author of Psalm 119 was looking at suffering from God’s perspective. It was good for him to be afflicted. It was faithfulness that caused God to afflict him. The result of the affliction was that he learned God’s decrees and obeyed His Word.

Again, sickness and suffering are never easy to deal with. One thing is for sure, sickness should not cause us to lose faith in God. God is good, even when we are suffering. Even the ultimate of suffering—death—is an act of God’s goodness. It is hard to imagine that anyone who is in heaven as a result of sickness or suffering regrets what they went through in this life.

One final note—when people are suffering, it is our responsibility to minister to them, care for them, pray for them, and comfort them. When a person is suffering, it is not always appropriate to emphasize that God will bring good out of the suffering. Yes, that is the truth. However, in the midst of suffering, it is not always the best time to share that truth. Suffering people need our love and encouragement, not necessarily a reminder of sound biblical theology.

A testimony on suffering:

Thank you so much to whoever answered the question about why God allows sickness. It was very insightful. This is a question that many people ponder. In my situation, my husband battled a very rare form of brain cancer and has now passed on to be with the Lord. He departed on April 17 and was a genuine blessing to numerous individuals. His illness led to his sister being freed from a cult and coming to know the Lord sincerely. Despite already being saved, I now have a much deeper understanding of what it truly means to have faith and lead a righteous life. It is truly remarkable how the Lord can use an illness or the passing of a loved one. I am grateful to all those who take the time to respond to these questions. It is a genuine blessing for many individuals.