When God Doesn’t Heal

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When God Doesn’t Heal

In a world filled with suffering and illness, one of the most profound questions Christians grapple with is: Why doesn’t God always heal? For many, this question becomes even more pressing when they encounter teachings that promise guaranteed physical healing based on particular interpretations of Scripture. One passage frequently cited is Isaiah 53:5:

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

Some groups, including proponents of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), claim that this verse guarantees physical healing in this life for all who have sufficient faith. However, a deeper study of Scripture reveals that this verse primarily speaks of spiritual healing—our deliverance from sin and restoration to God—rather than a blanket promise of physical health. 

Isaiah 53:5: Healing from Sin, Not a Guarantee of Physical Health

Isaiah 53:5 is part of the prophetic description of the suffering servant, a passage Christians understand as pointing to Jesus Christ. The verse declares that Jesus' suffering and death brought us peace and healing. While some interpret "by His stripes we are healed" as a promise of physical healing, a closer look at the context reveals that Isaiah addresses humanity’s ultimate problem—sin.

The "transgressions" and "iniquities" mentioned in the same verse highlight the spiritual nature of the healing. This interpretation aligns with the broader message of Scripture: Jesus came to reconcile humanity to God by dealing with sin, not to eliminate all physical suffering in this present age.

The New Testament reinforces this understanding. In 1 Peter 2:24, Peter quotes Isaiah 53:5, stating:

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed."

Here, Peter explicitly connects the healing to our deliverance from sin, not to physical health. Misusing this verse to promise guaranteed physical healing not only misrepresents Scripture but also places a heavy burden on believers, suggesting that lack of healing is due to insufficient faith—a claim unsupported by biblical teaching.

Why God May Not Choose to Heal

God’s sovereignty and His purposes are higher than our understanding. There are several biblical reasons why God may not choose to heal in a given situation:

1. To Display His Power in Weakness
2. The Apostle Paul provides a powerful example of God’s purpose in not healing. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 about a "thorn in the flesh," which he pleaded with the Lord three times to remove. God’s response was:
3. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
4. Rather than removing the thorn, God used Paul’s weakness to demonstrate His strength. This teaches us that God’s purposes often transcend physical healing, using our trials to draw us closer to Him and showcase His sustaining grace.
5. To Refine Faith and Character
6. James 1:2-4 tells believers to:
7. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
8. Suffering can be a tool God uses to refine us, deepen our dependence on Him, and shape us into the image of Christ.
9. To Keep Us Focused on Eternity
10. In this fallen world, physical suffering reminds us that this life is temporary. As Christians, our ultimate hope lies not in perfect health now but in the promise of eternal life, where all suffering will cease. Revelation 21:4 paints a beautiful picture of this future:
11. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
12. This promise assures us that ultimate healing is guaranteed—not in this life, but in the life to come.

Responding to Suffering with Faith

When God doesn’t heal, how should Christians respond? The Bible offers clear guidance:

1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to:
3. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
4. Even when we don’t understand why God allows suffering, we can trust that He is good and His purposes are perfect.
5. Seek God’s Strength
6. Like Paul, we can rely on God’s grace to sustain us in times of weakness. Philippians 4:13 reminds us:
7. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
8. This verse is not about achieving worldly success but about finding strength in Christ to endure all circumstances.
9. Pray Without Ceasing
10. While physical healing may not always come, prayer is a powerful way to draw near to God and align our hearts with His will. James 5:14-15 encourages believers to pray for the sick, trusting God’s wisdom and timing.
11. Encourage One Another
12. Suffering is not meant to be endured alone. Galatians 6:2 calls us to:
13. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
14. The Christian community plays a vital role in offering support, encouragement, and practical help to those who are suffering.
15. Hold on to the Hope of Heaven
16. Fixing our eyes on the eternal promises of God helps us endure present suffering. Romans 8:18 assures us:
17. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

A Warning Against False Teachings

The NAR and similar movements often emphasize physical healing as a sign of God’s favor or a marker of faith, leading many to question their salvation or God’s love when healing does not come. This teaching distorts Scripture and undermines the biblical truth that suffering can be a means of grace and sanctification.

Jesus Himself warned against seeking miraculous signs as the foundation of faith (Matthew 16:4). Instead, He calls us to trust Him, even when His ways are not what we expect.

Conclusion

When God doesn’t heal, it’s not a reflection of His lack of love or power but a reminder that His purposes are far greater than we can comprehend. Isaiah 53:5 assures us of the most important healing—deliverance from sin and reconciliation with God. While we may not always experience physical healing in this life, we have the unshakable hope of eternal life, where all suffering will cease.

As Christians, we are called to trust God’s sovereignty, seek His strength, and fix our eyes on the ultimate promise of Revelation 21:4. Let us respond to suffering with faith, perseverance, and steadfast hope in the glory to come.

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