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[TD="width: 593, align: left"][h=1]Why does God allow sickness?[/h]
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? of the Week
Why does God allow evil?
Verse of the Week
"God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day."
Psalm 7:11
Preferred Bible Version:
ESV GW HCSB KJV NASB NET NIV NIRV NKJV NLT
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© Copyright 2002-2014 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
Bible Questions Answered - Bible Questions Answered - Site Map
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[TD="width: 593, align: left"][h=1]Why does God allow sickness?[/h]
Question: "Why does God allow sickness?"
Answer: The issue of sickness is always a difficult one to deal with. The key is remembering that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). When we are suffering with a sickness, disease, or injury, we usually focus solely on our own suffering. In the midst of a trial of sickness, it is very difficult 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 as times when they grew closer to God, learned to trust Him more, and/or learned how to truly value life. This is the perspective God has because He is sovereign and knows the end result.
This does not mean sickness is always from God or that God always inflicts us with sickness to teach us a spiritual lesson. In a world tainted by sin, sickness, disease, and death will always be with us. We are fallen beings, with physical bodies prone to disease and illness. Some sickness is simply a result of the natural course of things in this world. Sickness can also be the result of a demonic attack. The Bible describes several instances when physical suffering was caused by Satan and his demons (Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 13:10-16). So, some sickness is not from God, but from Satan. Even in these instances, God is still in control. God sometimes allows sin and/or Satan to cause physical suffering. Even when sickness is not directly from God, He will 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 is 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 so that he could learn God's decrees and obey His Word.
Again, sickness and suffering is never an easy thing 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.
Recommended Resources: Wrestling with God: How Can I Love a God I'm Not Sure I Trust? by James Denison.
A testimony on suffering:
Thank you so much for whoever answered this question, why does God allow sickness. It was very interesting. It is something that all people wonder why. In my case, my husband suffered with a very rare type of brain cancer and is now with the Lord. He passed away on April 17, and was a true blessing to many people. Through his illness, his sister was released from her captivity in a cult, and truly now knows the Lord. Even though I was saved, I have a much better understanding of what it means to trust and live a righteous life. It is truly amazing how the Lord uses an illness, or even a death of a loved one. Thank you so much for all the people who answer these questions. It is a true blessing for many people.
Answer: The issue of sickness is always a difficult one to deal with. The key is remembering that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). When we are suffering with a sickness, disease, or injury, we usually focus solely on our own suffering. In the midst of a trial of sickness, it is very difficult 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 as times when they grew closer to God, learned to trust Him more, and/or learned how to truly value life. This is the perspective God has because He is sovereign and knows the end result.
This does not mean sickness is always from God or that God always inflicts us with sickness to teach us a spiritual lesson. In a world tainted by sin, sickness, disease, and death will always be with us. We are fallen beings, with physical bodies prone to disease and illness. Some sickness is simply a result of the natural course of things in this world. Sickness can also be the result of a demonic attack. The Bible describes several instances when physical suffering was caused by Satan and his demons (Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 13:10-16). So, some sickness is not from God, but from Satan. Even in these instances, God is still in control. God sometimes allows sin and/or Satan to cause physical suffering. Even when sickness is not directly from God, He will 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 is 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 so that he could learn God's decrees and obey His Word.
Again, sickness and suffering is never an easy thing 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.
Recommended Resources: Wrestling with God: How Can I Love a God I'm Not Sure I Trust? by James Denison.
A testimony on suffering:
Thank you so much for whoever answered this question, why does God allow sickness. It was very interesting. It is something that all people wonder why. In my case, my husband suffered with a very rare type of brain cancer and is now with the Lord. He passed away on April 17, and was a true blessing to many people. Through his illness, his sister was released from her captivity in a cult, and truly now knows the Lord. Even though I was saved, I have a much better understanding of what it means to trust and live a righteous life. It is truly amazing how the Lord uses an illness, or even a death of a loved one. Thank you so much for all the people who answer these questions. It is a true blessing for many people.
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Why does God allow sickness?
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Contact Us
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Support Us
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? of the Week
Why does God allow evil?
Verse of the Week
"God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day."
Psalm 7:11
Preferred Bible Version:
ESV GW HCSB KJV NASB NET NIV NIRV NKJV NLT
Got Books?
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Sometimes...
Joh 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
Joh 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Joh 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Notice the disciples understood that illness and debilitation is the result of sin, but sometimes there are other reasons.
Joh 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
Joh 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Joh 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Notice the disciples understood that illness and debilitation is the result of sin, but sometimes there are other reasons.
Without sin, there would be no sickness or disease, regardless of the kind or reason. We would walk as free from sicknesses as Jesus did when He was on earth, which is the purpose of repentance for the Christian. To cleanse you of ALL sin so that you can get healed. The very reason why Jesus healed so many people was because John the Baptist prepared the way for Him by getting people to repent of their sins.
Psa 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Psa 91:12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. [The kind that would cause one to stumble and fall]
(ERV) Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Psa 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Pro 3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
Pro 3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Pro 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Jer 50:31 Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.
Jer 50:32 And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
As in, tripping over your own two feet and falling on your face.
So yes, even tripping or stumbling is a result of sin.
Again, the carnal mind thinks contrary to God and His ways and word. It always uses the natural to reason away what the word declares.
Psa 91:12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. [The kind that would cause one to stumble and fall]
(ERV) Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Psa 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Pro 3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
Pro 3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Pro 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Jer 50:31 Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.
Jer 50:32 And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
As in, tripping over your own two feet and falling on your face.
So yes, even tripping or stumbling is a result of sin.
Again, the carnal mind thinks contrary to God and His ways and word. It always uses the natural to reason away what the word declares.
J
Were it not for sin and the corruption of the flesh, the whole world, there wouldn't be disease, we'd have to presume, and Adam and Eve would have lived forever by the Lord's sustenance. (This, of course, a fairy tale, our Lord Jesus slain from the foundation of the world.) One thing about this I've always thought important is that we not judge people for having sin related illness, if there is no pinpoint sin cause, and, even then, not to throw stones.
Prosperity gospel is from the pit of hell and supports the kind of thinking that, if somebody isn't healthy and wealthy, there's something wrong with their walk with God, their faith is weak. From the prosperity gospel view, Jesus Christ would have been an utter failure, as well as Paul. (I once actually heard such a preacher say all of the apostles were very rich... idiot.) Solid children of the Lord get sick all the time, have had enough personal experience with this, and would merely like to point out it's very wrong to equate somebody being ill, in the course of normal life, with any personal sin.
Everybody, if you hang around long enough, you're near certain to get very ill, even if you sing in the choir.
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Prosperity gospel is from the pit of hell and supports the kind of thinking that, if somebody isn't healthy and wealthy, there's something wrong with their walk with God, their faith is weak. From the prosperity gospel view, Jesus Christ would have been an utter failure, as well as Paul. (I once actually heard such a preacher say all of the apostles were very rich... idiot.) Solid children of the Lord get sick all the time, have had enough personal experience with this, and would merely like to point out it's very wrong to equate somebody being ill, in the course of normal life, with any personal sin.
Everybody, if you hang around long enough, you're near certain to get very ill, even if you sing in the choir.
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Yes but let's make it simple to understand by what we see. Again the love of money is the root of all sorts of evils. A hospital needs money to survive, therefore it is a BUSINESS, bottom line! If people don't get sick, doctors and nurses can't get paid. Do not judge the innocency of this beast by the appearance of its individual parts, but by the mechanism of the whole.
What if by chance, those who own the hospital looking to turn a profit, also owns what produces our food, or what we drink, or how we brush our teeth or anything else pertaining to our living and hygiene?
Now in order for any business or corporation to survive, it has to continue to grow! So in the interests of profit expansion, do you think such owners care for the well being of the masses?
All disease and sickness could be cured in years, if not much sooner. But as long as we love death, death is going to sell! There is no law against "free". We the people, make the rules over what we make, don't we?
What if by chance, those who own the hospital looking to turn a profit, also owns what produces our food, or what we drink, or how we brush our teeth or anything else pertaining to our living and hygiene?
Now in order for any business or corporation to survive, it has to continue to grow! So in the interests of profit expansion, do you think such owners care for the well being of the masses?
All disease and sickness could be cured in years, if not much sooner. But as long as we love death, death is going to sell! There is no law against "free". We the people, make the rules over what we make, don't we?
T
Before you speak, you should study and read.
After his conversion Paul by trade was a tent maker and that was a very sought after occupation that everyone wanted to get into, because the wages paid very well and it was a very difficult trade to get into, because it paid so well.
Before his conversion he was a pharisee, do you think those guys were poor?
Jesus himself was also very wealthy[See Luke 8 & John 12 & 13]
It is very unclear if Jesus was an actual carpenter like his earthly father, Joseph, It is also thought that Joseph was a ship builder.
In Luke 5 Jesus performed a miracle that gave Peter the catch of life time , that allowed Peter to go into full time ministry and pay off all his bill and had more than enough left over.
Stop suggesting Jesus and the Apostles were woe and poor...they were neither..
After his conversion Paul by trade was a tent maker and that was a very sought after occupation that everyone wanted to get into, because the wages paid very well and it was a very difficult trade to get into, because it paid so well.
Before his conversion he was a pharisee, do you think those guys were poor?
Jesus himself was also very wealthy[See Luke 8 & John 12 & 13]
It is very unclear if Jesus was an actual carpenter like his earthly father, Joseph, It is also thought that Joseph was a ship builder.
In Luke 5 Jesus performed a miracle that gave Peter the catch of life time , that allowed Peter to go into full time ministry and pay off all his bill and had more than enough left over.
Stop suggesting Jesus and the Apostles were woe and poor...they were neither..
You have failed to prove that Jesus was wealthy. Interesting to say "study and read" and then throw out a bunch of wild guesses based on wishful thinking. Here's my question: why is it so important for you to believe that Christ was wealthy? I don't understand people who twist scripture around because they are so desperate to believe this. Why is it so important to you, especially considering many of the negative comments that Jesus made about money.
C
Deuteronomy 7:12-15 If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors. He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you. You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young. The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.
