As children of God, it's essential to understand the nature of disease and its relationship with our Heavenly Father. Many people believe that disease is a part of God's will, but is this notion supported by Scripture?
The True Nature of Disease
Disease is not a blessing from God, but rather a result of the brokenness and sin that entered the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience (Genesis 3). Disease is a manifestation of the enemy's work, stealing our health, happiness, and joy. It's a robber that takes away our ability to bless and help others, making slaves of those who care for the sick.
Jesus' Ministry of Healing
Jesus' public ministry was marked by healing and deliverance. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). Jesus' ministry was a demonstration of God's will, and healing was a significant part of it.
In Luke 13:11-16, Jesus encountered a woman who had been bound by a spirit of infirmity for 18 years. He declared that she was Satan-bound and loosed her from this bondage. This account clearly shows that disease is not God's will, but rather the work of the enemy.
Isaiah 53 is often referred to as the substitutionary chapter, where the prophet describes the suffering and sacrifice of the Messiah. Verse 5 says, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by whose wounds we are healed" .
This verse clearly indicates that healing is a part of our redemption. If healing was not part of God's plan, it would not be included in this pivotal chapter.
God's Will is Healing
Jesus healed all who came to Him, regardless of their background or ethnicity (Matthew 4:23-25, 8:1-3, 9:1-8). He was carrying out the will of the Father, demonstrating God's love and compassion for humanity.
In 1 Peter 2:24, we read, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by whose wounds you have been healed" . This verse reinforces the idea that healing is a part of our salvation and God's will for our lives.
Disease is not the will of God. It's a result of the enemy's work, stealing our health and joy. Jesus' ministry of healing demonstrates God's will, and healing is a part of our redemption. As children of God, we should not accept disease as God's will, but rather resist it and claim our inheritance of healing and wholeness.
As Christians, we often struggle to understand why God allows sickness and suffering in our lives. While it's natural to question His ways, the Bible provides valuable insights into God's sovereignty over sickness.
1. Job's Suffering (Job 1-2)
The story of Job is a classic example of God's sovereignty in sickness. Satan, with God's permission, afflicted Job with painful boils from head to toe (Job 2:7-8). Despite his suffering, Job responded with faith, saying, "Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10). Through Job's experience, we see that God's sovereignty extends even to our suffering, and that He can use it to refine our faith.
2. Paul's Thorn in the Flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
The Apostle Paul, a mighty servant of God, was given a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). Despite praying for its removal, Paul was told that God's "power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). This experience taught Paul to rely on God's strength rather than his own, and to find joy in his weaknesses. Through Paul's example, we see that God can use sickness to keep us humble and dependent on Him.
3. The Man Born Blind (John 9:1-3)
In John 9, Jesus encountered a man born blind. When asked if the man's blindness was due to his or his parents' sin, Jesus replied, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him" (John 9:3). Jesus then healed the man, demonstrating God's power and mercy. This story shows that God can use sickness to display His glory and to bring people to faith.
4. Lazarus' Illness (John 11:1-4)
When Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, fell ill, his sisters Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, expecting Him to heal Lazarus. However, Jesus delayed His visit, allowing Lazarus to die (John 11:1-4). Later, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and disease. This story illustrates that God's timing and purposes may not always align with our expectations, but He can use sickness to accomplish His greater plans.
5. Epaphroditus' Illness (Philippians 2:25-30)
In Philippians 2, Paul mentioned Epaphroditus, a fellow servant who had fallen ill while serving the Philippian church. Paul described Epaphroditus' illness as a "sickness... near to death" (Philippians 2:27). However, God had mercy on Epaphroditus and spared his life. This example shows that God can use sickness to remind us of our mortality and to prompt us to appreciate the value of life and service.
These examples demonstrate that God's sovereignty extends to sickness and suffering. While we may not always understand why God allows sickness, we can trust that He has purposes beyond our comprehension. Through these examples, we see that God can use sickness to:
Refine our faith (Job)
Keep us humble (Paul)
Display His glory (Man born blind)
Accomplish His greater plans (Lazarus)
Remind us of our mortality (Epaphroditus)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for revealing Your will regarding healing. I reject disease , sickness , affliction and infirmities is not Your will, and I claim my inheritance of healing and wholeness. Help me to resist the enemy's work and to walk in the fullness of my Healing and salvation. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
