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Why Won't God Heal Everyone?

It happens. Despite the fervent prayers of people who believe in God, some are not healed in their lifetime. But that does not mean God does not care.

The truth is God cares for the healing of people. He is sovereign and has good reasons for allowing things to happen as they do.

Remember the biblical story of Job, a man who got sick and lost everything including his family. Job was blameless before God. Yet God allowed bad things to happen to him. And God made this allowance, not because of Job’s wavering faith, but to teach something to everyone around him. There was a greater purpose at work that Job could not see or comprehend. Even so, eventually, everything that Job lost was restored to him and more (Job 42:10-17).

Jesus, in his ministry, preached and performed miracles such as healing the sick and raising the dead.

In looking at the biblical story of Lazarus (John 11:1-44), God could have sent Jesus right away to heal him, but that was not what happened. Lazarus died before Jesus could reach him. God had his plan to impact many lives. Lazarus was resurrected by Jesus from the dead so that people would believe that Christ was truly sent by God to redeem mankind (John 11:41-42).

Be encouraged to get to know God deeper and become more acquainted with His character and ways. Read His written word and as you do, remember the following points:

1. God is sovereign. He is in the business of working in people’s lives so that we may be drawn to a relationship with Him. As it is written, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

2. God is ever teaching us through His word. Why would God allow a disease that caused a person to suffer? Perhaps through the trial, from His point of view, there is something greater at work. God may be building our faith and dependence on Him for a greater purpose. Following Jesus is not about ease and comfort. He did not promise us a problem-free life. What he did promise us, in fact, is that he will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

3. God does eventually allow full healing to take place. God allows people not just to be relieved from pain and suffering in their lifetime, but also to be with Him in eternity. To those who have a personal relationship with Jesus, eternal life is promised (John 3:16). And God has never failed to keep His promises.

Whether God heals a person or not in their lifetime, it does not change the fact that He is our God who loves us. He does not delight in pain and suffering. And He has a plan for people beyond the pain and suffering of this world.

The best way to seek to understand God and His ways is to study His written word and to pray. In our lowest moments, let us ever still rely on Him, our Father, with whom nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26).

Join us for worship at Union Church of Manila, an international and intergenerational Christian church in Makati. UCM also offers healing prayer services for the body, mind, and soul.