What does the Bible say about sickness?

Sickness is part of our earthly existence. It can be something minor or it can be a major illness. It can be an annoyance or it can be debilitating. We can turn to the Bible for any situation we encounter in life. What does the Bible have to say about sickness?

Sickness is seen throughout the Bible, it occurred in many people's lives. Miriam, Moses' sister, contracted leprosy (Num 12:10). Elisha, the great prophet, died after being sick (2 Kng 13:14). God graciously extended the life of Hezekiah after he became sick and prayed (2 Kng 20:1). King Asa is mentioned in 2 Chr 16:12 as having a terrible disease.
We could not forget Job who suffered so greatly (Job 2:1-7). The New Testament gives us examples as well. Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a fever. She is one among many whom Jesus healed of sickness (Luke 4:38-39). The Gospels also tell us of a woman who was healed from a chronic bleeding issue that she had suffered with for 12 years (Matt 9:20-22). One of Paul's companions, Epaphroditus, almost died because of his sickness (Phil 2:25-27). Timothy suffered from frequent stomach ailments (1 Tim 5:23). Still others struggled emotionally and mentally. Consider Hannah who wanted a son, Jonah who wanted his life to end, Elijah who came to the end of himself in ministry, and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Sickness and illness come to all of our lives, even those who are faithful to Christ.

Why does sickness come? Disease, death and illness are results of a world that is under the curse of sin. It is a natural consequence of our fallen world. Sometimes God sends sickness as a form of judgment or discipline (Num 11:33; Dt 28:61; Heb 12:11). Other times sickness comes from demonic forces (Job 2:1-8; Matt 17:14-16; Luke 13:10-16). One thing we can know is that illness is under the sovereign hand of God who works all things out for our good. God is good even when we are suffering (Rom 8:28). Being sick is not a time to loose faith. It ought to make us depend on God more and draw closer to Him. The Psalmist said, "Before I was afflicted I went astray... Thou art good, and doest good... It is good for me that I have been afflicted. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me (Psa 119: 67, 68, 71, 75)." Many times, after a period of suffering, we can look back and see how God used it for His purposes and our good.

That is not to say that sickness or suffering should be taken lightly. Sometimes illness can be very trying and painful. One might even long for the end of life. When others are suffering, it is our responsibility to minister to them, pray for them and comfort them. It is not always appropriate to preach to them. They need our love and encouragement, not necessarily sound theology. When we are the ones experiencing sickness, we can be reminded of what others may be going through who are worse off than we are.

If you are hurting today, let me encourage you that God still loves you, He hasn't forgotten about you or your circumstances. I pray that He will bring comfort and peace into your life through His Word and the ministry of others.