Illness: Should It Steal Your Joy?

Perhaps right now you are suffering from an illness or disability. Whether it is mild, moderate, or severe, you feel weak, worried, afraid, and hopeless. But should you lose your joy and zest for life, and go through day after day in gloom? What does God's word teach about illness and physical weakness?

We Are Not Spared from Illness

One morning, my left foot suddenly hurt, swelled up, and had no strength. I thought it was a sprain caused by the high heels I had worn the night before. After calling a massage therapist I knew who specialized in nerves, my foot could be bent and the swelling went down. 

However, I still felt that something was wrong. In the end I went to see a professor who was a bone and orthopedic specialist. As a result, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis (joint inflammation caused by the wearing away of the protective tissue at the ends of the bones, which causes pain and may worsen).

I was then reminded of a public figure who inaugurated toilet facilities on buses and in public places for people with disabilities, as well as those with a history of illness. I can still hear these words in my mind: “This bus is not only for people with disabilities. This bus is also for us. Because one day, we too may become persons with disabilities like them.”

In your struggle with illness, the first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. Young or old, rich or poor, every human being can be struck by illness or experience physical decline. Take heart, because you are going through this together with many others who are also hoping for recovery. 

Your Illness Declares the Glory of God

When Jesus heard the news, He said: “This sickness will not end in death, but is for the glory of God, so that through it the Son of God may be glorified.” – John 11:4 

Do you remember the story of Lazarus, who was sick (John 11:1-44)? His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus about his condition. Jesus responded to them with the verse above, that through Lazarus's illness, the Son of God would be glorified.

Likewise, when His disciples asked about a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind (John 9:1-2)?” Jesus answered:

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” – John 9:3

Isn't it often the case that when someone finds that they have a fairly serious illness, both the sufferer and the people around them unconsciously think this way? “That person must have committed many sins, that's why they got sick.” Or, “I must have committed a great sin, so God has brought this illness upon me.” Or they wonder, “Lord, what did I do wrong that You gave me this illness?”

However, Jesus told His disciples that what happened to the blind man had nothing to do with anyone's sin. On the contrary, through that person, God would reveal His works. So, your present condition is a means for God's work! You will bring God's glory through the illness you suffer. Doesn't hearing that make you more encouraged?

Pray and Weep, but Do Not Stop There

When the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz delivered the word of the Lord to Hezekiah that he would not recover from his illness, Hezekiah prayed and wept bitterly.

“O LORD, remember, I pray, how I have walked before You faithfully and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” Then Hezekiah wept bitterly. – 2 Kings 20:3 

On the way home after the diagnosis, my heart felt so heavy. My illness cannot be cured, only slowed so that it does not get worse. I was anxious, imagining that I would no longer be able to walk and would have to use a cane at what is still considered a young age. My dream of joining the mission team after my children became independent was left as nothing more than wishful thinking.

After going through a series of therapies and treatments without any meaningful progress, I looked for information about physical exercises I could do at home. It turned out that I could train my leg muscles to become stronger. Until now, I still do the exercises regularly in my spare time.

You may go through times like this, when all you can do is pray and cry. But remember, your life is still going on. Do not only pray and cry, but rise again and live your days with the following two things:

Strengthen Your Inner Being

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16 

Your strength may slowly fade. Your body's endurance may decline. That is all right. You still have your inner being, which can be renewed every day. 

Your outer body may be weak, your physical condition may no longer support you, but do not let your inner being grow weak as well. Stay spirited, optimistic, giving and serving as much as you are able, and always be thankful.

Why are you downcast, O my soul, and why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall yet praise Him, my Savior and my God! – Psalm 42:5 

Keep Serving

You know that it was because of a bodily illness that I first preached the gospel to you. – Galatians 4:13

We may know Paul as an extraordinary figure. He was persistent in preaching the gospel everywhere. Persecuted, yet not discouraged. Imprisoned, yet still inspiring. Even so, it is quite possible that at that time Paul was suffering from some illness (which is not described in detail).

In verse 14, Paul even considered that his physical condition could be regarded as contemptible and repulsive. Yet he did not let that condition hinder God's works in his life.

But the Lord said to me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9 

You surely want to appear strong and do not like being weak. Yet something beyond your control happens and weakens you physically, such as illness or a disability suffered because of an accident. When this happens, God's power is actually perfected in you. Paul says that he likes it when he is strong, but even more, he likes it when he is weak, because in that way the power of Christ will overshadow him.

Keep carrying out your ministry duties, while continuing to remember and be aware of the physical limits you must guard. Watch your nutritional intake and the quality of your sleep, and take your medicines or supplements on schedule. Do not use your condition as an excuse, or on the other hand, make ministry an escape until you neglect caring for your body's condition. 

At present I continue to serve in Kids Kingdom, even though I cannot stand too long, walk far, jump, or run. I also remain active in ministry, teaching God's word, spend time with fellow believers, and pursuing my hobby of writing. May you also continue to be given strength to serve the church and others!

“But as for you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work!” – 2 Chronicles 15:7

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