What Does the Bible Say About Sickness?

If we believe what Scripture teaches, that God is the Ruler of the universe, then we should know that nothing happens without His approval. He is not the cause of pain and suffering, but He can transform bad things into something good (see Genesis 50:20). We might not always see it immediately, or even on this side of eternity, but our Lord is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).  

We see this principle at work in Hezekiah's life. He had developed a boil and grew ill. The prophet Isaiah delivered the grim news that Hezekiah would die (2 Kings 20:1). Understandably, the king was afraid and asked God for more time to live, which He answered (2 Kings 20:2-7). Hezekiah made a full recovery.   

Reading this story without further biblical context, we can easily think that it teaches us to pray for healing when we are sick. If we study other passages, though, we find the wider story. Isaiah also recorded the account, providing Hezekiah’s prayer of praise (see Isaiah 38:9-20). The king made a renewed commitment to live for the Lord and offered praise to Him. Not only was the healing a blessing, but so was the illness. Hezekiah said that it was for his benefit that he had suffered the sickness (Isaiah 38:17). 

At first glance, we might flinch at these words. How can suffering from an illness be good? Would we tell a person with a chronic illness or cancer that their pain is good? Scripture never says that sickness is good but that God can use it for our benefit. As David said in Psalm 119:71, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (NIV). Those who allow their weakness and anguish in times of illness to drive them to God find that they learn more about Him. Like Hezekiah and David, they experience the love, strength, beauty, mercy, and comfort of the Lord in ways they would not have if they had always remained healthy. 

Of course, we must be willing to listen and learn from God during times of sickness. Hardships have the power to push us far from our Savior just as much as they can draw us closer to Him. Lots of us will naturally experience periods of anger and bitterness, but we should take those feelings to the Lord. He knows what it is like to suffer and is near to us in our pain. 

If we lean into Him, we will find that our illness is never wasted. Christians learn faithfulness and perseverance in sickness. Also, those who have endured pain with their eyes set firmly on Jesus are often those who are best suited to comfort and serve others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  

Numerous examples exist in the Bible that show God healing individuals. He restored Miriam after afflicting her with leprosy (Numbers 12:13-15). Naaman also received healing from the Lord (2 Kings 5:13-14). Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He brought healing to people who suffered from numerous ailments, including blindness, deafness, a fever, and a bleeding condition (Matthew 11:4-5; 14:36; Luke 4:38-40; 8:43-48). Through these healings, Christ showed that He is the Messiah and gave a foretaste of the Kingdom. After His ascension, He continued to heal people through the work of the Apostles (Acts 3:6-7; 5:12-16).  

These stories of healing might make us think that the Lord will always cure us when we are sick. God certainly can divinely heal people and may choose to do this when we experience disease. When this happens, we should praise the Lord and give thanks (see Psalm 116:1-8). However, we are wise to consider the full teaching of Scripture that shows individuals growing in faith during trials and pain. The great Physician is concerned more about our spiritual growth than instantly taking us out of hardship. Illnesses can lead individuals to trust in Jesus for salvation or mature a believer’s faith.  

Our Lord said we would experience troubles in life (John 16:33). The Christian life is not easy, as we should expect suffering. Numerous followers of God throughout time have endured times of affliction to the glory of God.     

Instead of always seeking relief from trials, we should recognize that the Lord can be glorified in our weaknesses. Many of us will face health crises and long-term illnesses. Yet, we should not let these struggles hinder our walk with Christ. Let us remember the sufficiency of Jesus’ grace and praise Him for His strength when we are weary and in distress (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).  

God does not promise us immunity to suffering. We live in a fallen world where illness occurs. Instead of adopting ideas from the world that tell us that the Christian life should be comfortable and free from trouble, we need to remember the biblical examples of faithful followers of God enduring sickness. They often grew through their trials and praised God for the chance to learn more about His love.  

We do not have the assurance of perpetual good health, but we have the promise of the Lord’s constant presence (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). 

Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Jordan Bauer

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site  Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.