It is hard to remember anyone that God refused to heal in the Bible. He cured even those who were not Jews. It’s no wonder that many people talk about healing as though it were only a matter of faith. The idea is that since God is both powerful and good, the only thing that can keep us from being healed is our lack of faith in Him.
This puts the sick in a very unique yet precarious position. If we are among those who need to be cured, should we believe that God will heal us for as long as we have faith? But what happens when He doesn’t? Does that automatically signal our rejection because our faith is not enough?
It would be unfair both for the person involved and for God Himself for us to think this way. Although God can definitely heal us and desires for our eventual healing, He does not always do so.
While we could easily think that He healed “everyone” in the Gospels, the truth is that He didn’t. During that time, Jesus didn’t even preach far into the world. For this, He commissioned His disciples before He ascended to heaven. It follows that Jesus did not meet every sick person on earth to heal each one.
Even for those He met, He exercised His authority and wisdom to heal each one in God’s perfect time. Consider Lazarus, His close friend. While Jesus already heard about his illness, He refused to go to him at once so that God’s power may all the more be revealed, not only for Lazarus, but to all who will believe later on.
“So the sisters sent word to him, saying, ‘Master, the one you love is ill.’ When Jesus heard this he said, ‘This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was.” – John 11:3-6 NABRE
In more recent times, so many saints have suffered and died from various illnesses without receiving God’s healing. Does this say that they have no faith? On the contrary, God sees their faith and He gave them the honor of sharing the cross for a greater good.
One good example here is St. Bernadette Soubirous. Although the waters of Lourdes has cured many who are sick, it did not cure her.
The Blessed Virgin Mary told her honestly what she can expect in this life, and she accepted the will of God.
“I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the other.” – Our Lady to St. Bernadette
If you are one of those people who have yet to receive healing, don’t lose heart! Don’t blame yourself and let other people’s judgment make you feel even worse. God loves you and sees your heart. It could be that He is merely waiting for the right time. It could also be that He is working out something first, such as your spiritual healing or growth. He may also be preparing you for a far greater blessing and revelation!
The most important thing is to cling to Him and not let anything separate you from Him. Never forget that whether we are in good health or sick in bed, battling for our very lives, our victory is assured with God by our side.
He is our comfort in times of pain, our hope when we’re drifting to despair. With Jesus, we know that we are never alone, even in our suffering. His suffering on the cross makes Him our advocate and we can believe that He is never without compassion for those in need.
God may not heal everyone yet, but He eventually will. In this is our hope. And while we are being healed, He stays.
Let us ask Him for the grace so that our faith may not falter and so that we may await that blessed time when we receive His healing touch.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
save me, and I shall be saved;
for you are my praise.”
-Jeremiah 17:14 NRSVCE
You may also want to watch the inspiring music video “Heal Me, O Lord.”
Also read “The 7 Ways God Can Heal You and Your Loved Ones.”
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