Lesson 373: "Sickness"
The question most asked is, why God allows sickness since Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our infirmities (Isa 53:4). I think the key to remember here is that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isa. 55:9). When we are suffering with a sickness, disease or injury we usually focus solely on our own suffering. In the middle of a trial of sickness it is very hard to focus on what good God might bring about as a result. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God can bring about good from any situation. Many people look back on times of sickness and realize that is when they grew closer to God, learned to trust Him more and put a greater value on life.
I do not mean to imply that sickness is always from God or that God inflicts us with our ailments to teach us a spiritual lesson (although He did allow Job to be tested). In a world filled with sin, sickness, disease and death we will never be able to “put an answer or reason” on the why of our pain. Some sickness is simply a result of the natural course of things in this “deadly” world. The bible describes several instances when physical suffering was caused by Satan and his demons (Matt. 17:14-18, Luke 13:10-16) and although God allows Satan to interfere with our good health, He is still in control of our lives (the destination) and of Satan. Sometimes God allows sicknesses as a way of discipline as alluded to in Hebrews 12:5-11). Paul goes on to encourage us to “endure hardship as discipline”.
The author of Psalm 119:71 was looking at suffering through the eyes of God; “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees”. Sickness is never an easy thing to deal with and if we learn nothing from it then it has not served God’s purpose. If we do not learn to praise God or repent, change our ways (that might have caused the sickness) or become a witness of God’s healing power then we were not only physically sick but also spiritually sick. This is where we as Christians come in to the picture when someone is sick. It is our responsibility to minister to them, care for them, pray for them and comfort them. It is not always appropriate to emphasize that God will heal them (?), or that He will bring good out of their suffering. These things are scripturally true but your timing is not always the best if spoken in the midst of someone’s direst suffering. These people need love and encouragement (sometime silently) and not necessarily a reminder of sound biblical theology.
After their healing or recovery is the time to say; “I knew God could do it”! Or my personal favorite; “God is good to you”! Post theology is praising the Lord with the person after they get well and pre theology is sometimes expounding on your knowledge of the scripture, giving the impression you have insight that others do not have and/or perhaps giving unintended false hope. And please, never finish your “healing talks” with; “well even if God does not heal you here on earth you will receive the ultimate healing in Heaven”. This is also true but I truly believe a sick person would rather hear an uplifting prayer or song. Just my opinion of course!