Title: Why Ill Health?

Scripture:

Jeremiah 30:17: "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord." (KJV)

Psalm 41:3: "The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness." (NIV)

Devotion: Ill health is one of the mysteries of life that often leaves us asking, “Lord, why?” Yet Scripture gives us insight into the causes, purposes, and hope we can hold onto in times of sickness.

The Reality of Ill Health

From the fall of man in Genesis 3, sickness entered the world as part of the brokenness of creation. Paul reminds us that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and with death comes decay, weakness, and disease. Even faithful servants of God like Job endured severe affliction, not because of sin, but as part of God’s sovereign plan to reveal His glory (Job 2:7–10).

Biblical Examples

- Job’s affliction: Job’s health was attacked, yet his faith remained. His story shows that illness can be a test of endurance and trust in God.

- Paul’s thorn: In 2 Corinthians 12:7–9, Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh.” Though he prayed for healing, God allowed it to remain, teaching him that “My grace is sufficient for you.”

- Hezekiah’s healing: In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah fell ill, but through prayer, God added fifteen more years to his life. This shows that God still heals when we call upon Him.

Reasons Behind Ill Health

- Human frailty: Our bodies are temporary vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7).

- Discipline or correction: Sometimes illness reminds us to return to God (Hebrews 12:6).

- Spiritual warfare: As seen in Job’s case, sickness can be a battleground of faith.

- God’s glory: In John 9:3, Jesus explained that the man born blind was not due to sin, but so “the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Our Response

- Faith in God: Trust Him whether He heals instantly or sustains us through weakness.

- Prayer for healing: James 5:14–15 encourages calling the elders to pray and anoint the sick.

- Hope in eternity: Revelation 21:4 promises that one day, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

Closing Reflection

Ill health is not always a punishment, nor is it always permanent. Sometimes it is a reminder of our dependence on God, sometimes a test of faith, and sometimes a stage for His miraculous power. Whatever the reason, we can rest in the assurance that “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)—whether in this life or in the life to come.

Let us, every reader of this pray earnestly for all people on the sick bed that God restore their health like He did for king Hezekiah. ©Dr. Joel Olanrewaju gbemide09@gmail.com.