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The Reality of Sickness in a Fallen World

The existence of sickness and suffering in the world is a direct consequence of the fall of humanity. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they introduced death and decay into the created order (Genesis 3:17-19). Romans 5:12 states, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” The entrance of sin into the world resulted in a broken creation where sickness, suffering, and death are a part of the human experience.

This reality is not something that Christians can escape. As followers of Christ, believers are not exempt from the effects of living in a fallen world. Sickness can strike anyone, regardless of their faith or righteousness. Job, a man described as “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1), suffered immensely despite his faithfulness to God. The presence of sickness in a believer’s life is not necessarily an indication of personal sin or lack of faith, but rather a reflection of the fallen state of the world.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty During Times of Sickness

When a loved one is sick, it can be a challenging time for Christians to navigate. The natural response is often one of fear, anxiety, and a desire to control the situation. However, the Bible calls believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Trusting in God’s sovereignty means recognizing that He is in control of all things, including the health and well-being of loved ones. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that all of our days are written in God’s book before one of them comes to be. This means that the timing and circumstances of sickness and healing are under His divine authority. While this may not always be easy to accept, especially when facing the illness of a loved one, it is a truth that provides comfort and assurance in times of trial.

The Role of Prayer in Times of Sickness

Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian response to sickness. The Bible encourages believers to bring their concerns and requests to God, knowing that He hears and cares for them. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In times of sickness, prayer serves multiple purposes. First, it is a means of seeking God’s intervention and healing. James 5:14-15 says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and Jehovah will raise him up.” This passage highlights the importance of prayer within the community of believers and the belief that God can and does heal according to His will.

Second, prayer is a way of aligning one’s heart and mind with God’s will. Jesus modeled this in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). In praying for a loved one who is sick, Christians are encouraged to submit their desires to God’s will, trusting that He knows what is best.

Finally, prayer brings comfort and peace to those who are suffering. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Through prayer, believers can experience the comfort of God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The Ministry of Presence and Support

In addition to prayer, the ministry of presence is a crucial way that Christians can support a loved one who is sick. The ministry of presence refers to the act of being physically present with someone in their time of need, offering comfort and support through one’s presence rather than words alone. This concept is exemplified in the story of Job, whose friends initially comforted him by sitting with him in silence for seven days and seven nights (Job 2:11-13).

While Job’s friends eventually faltered by offering misguided advice, their initial response of simply being present with Job in his suffering is a valuable example for Christians. In times of sickness, the presence of a loving friend or family member can provide immense comfort. It is a reminder that the sick person is not alone and that they are loved and cared for by those around them.

The ministry of presence also involves practical support. This can include helping with daily tasks, providing meals, offering transportation to medical appointments, or simply sitting and listening. Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” By bearing the burdens of those who are sick, Christians fulfill the call to love one another as Christ has loved them (John 13:34).

The Role of the Church Community

The church community plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families during times of sickness. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of the body of Christ working together to care for one another. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul writes, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” This means that when one member of the church is sick, the entire church is called to respond with compassion and care.

One of the ways the church can support those who are sick is through organized prayer. As mentioned earlier, James 5:14-15 instructs believers to call upon the elders of the church to pray over the sick. This communal act of prayer not only seeks God’s intervention but also unites the church body in love and concern for one another.

The church can also provide practical support, such as organizing meal trains, offering childcare, or helping with household chores. In Acts 2:44-45, the early church is described as sharing their possessions and resources to meet the needs of those within the community. This spirit of generosity and care should continue to characterize the church today, especially in times of sickness and suffering.

Moreover, the church can offer spiritual encouragement through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. In times of sickness, it is easy to become discouraged or to doubt God’s goodness. The church has a responsibility to remind those who are suffering of the promises of Scripture and to encourage them to trust in God’s faithfulness. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Sickness as an Opportunity for Spiritual Growth

While sickness is undoubtedly a difficult and painful experience, it can also be an opportunity for spiritual growth. The Bible teaches that God can use trials, including sickness, to refine and strengthen the faith of His people. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

This passage highlights the process by which suffering can lead to spiritual maturity. While it may be challenging to see in the moment, sickness can deepen one’s reliance on God, increase empathy for others who are suffering, and strengthen the believer’s hope in the ultimate healing that will come with the resurrection.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares his own experience with suffering, writing, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Paul’s response to his suffering demonstrates a profound understanding that in his weakness, God’s strength is made evident.

For Christians, the experience of sickness can be a time of drawing closer to God, growing in faith, and learning to trust in His grace and sovereignty. It is also an opportunity to witness to others about the hope that is found in Christ, even in the face of suffering.

The Hope of Ultimate Healing

While Christians are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and seek His will in times of sickness, it is also important to remember the hope of ultimate healing that is promised in Scripture. The Bible teaches that, while physical healing may or may not occur in this life, all believers will experience complete and perfect healing in the resurrection.

Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of the new heavens and new earth, where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” This promise of a future without sickness, pain, or death provides believers with hope and assurance as they navigate the trials of this life.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of this hope. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Paul writes, “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” Because Christ has conquered death, believers can be confident that they too will be raised to new life, free from the effects of sin and sickness.

This hope of ultimate healing does not negate the reality of suffering in this life, but it does provide a perspective that transcends it. Christians can face sickness with the assurance that, regardless of the outcome, they belong to a God who has promised to make all things new and to restore what has been broken by sin.

The Importance of a Biblical Perspective on Sickness

A biblical perspective on sickness is essential for Christians as they seek to navigate the challenges of illness in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. This perspective is grounded in the recognition that sickness is a consequence of living in a fallen world, but it is also one that is framed by the sovereignty of God, the power of prayer, the support of the Christian community, and the hope of ultimate healing.

When faced with sickness, Christians are called to respond in faith, trusting in God’s plan and seeking His will through prayer. They are also called to be a source of comfort and support to those who are suffering, embodying the love of Christ through their actions and presence.

Ultimately, a biblical perspective on sickness points believers to the hope of the resurrection, where sickness and death will be no more, and all things will be made new. This hope allows Christians to face the challenges of sickness with confidence, knowing that their future is secure in Christ.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).