Should Christians expect healing?

Written by Darren Hewer

Does God desire that each of us be healed? Yes, in the sense that our loving God does not desire that any of His children would be burdened with pain. However, similar to how God desires that all will be saved (ex. 1 Timothy 2:4) but not all will in fact be saved (ex. John 14:6), not all that God desires necessarily will come to pass. This including healing, and not everyone will receive divine physical healing.

There are many biblical examples where people are not physically healed. Paul mentions his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7) which was not healed, even after he prayed three times for healing. Timothy (who is “faithful in the Lord”, 1 Corinthians 4:17) is said to have “frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23). In response, Paul doesn’t tell Timothy to be healed, he just tells Timothy to “use a little wine”.

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Elsewhere, Paul notes “I left Trophimus sick in Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20). Jesus, in John 5, heals one man by the pool of Bethesda, even though there were many sick, and then slips away. Not everyone, even the most faithful Christians, will be healed, at least not until Jesus comes again. This is demonstrated in scripture and confirmed by our own experience.

One reason that God may choose not to heal (though not the only reason) is expressly stated by Jesus in John 9. Regarding the man who had been blind from birth, Jesus states the reason for his ailment plainly: “this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3) It may be the case that greater good may come of an illness than would have resulted from God’s divine healing.

In all cases where healing does not come, we need to remember that healing is an intensely personal issue, not merely a theological one. We may never fully understand why healing does not come in any particular instance. Ultimately, the choice to heal or not is entirely up to God and the purposes of His divine will, which are more amazing than we will ever be able to fully comprehend. We need to try to lean on our faith (trust) in the God who has demonstrated Himself to be eminently trustworthy, and remember the love that God has shown us. Paul’s words to the church at Ephesus:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Have you experienced instances where you have prayed for healing but have not been healed? What have you learned through such difficult experiences? Please feel free to contact an online mentor if you are struggling with issues related to healing, or if you would like us to pray with you for healing or anything else.

Related reading: Online interactive study: Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?

reason that God may not heal is expressly stated by Jesus in John 9. Regarding the man who had been blind from birth, Jesus states the reason for his ailment plainly: “this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3) It may be the case that greater good may come of an illness than would have resulted from God’s divine healing. Ultimately, the choice to heal or not is entirely up to God and the purposes of His divine will, which are more amazing than we will ever be able to fully comprehend.

Tags: Bible, darren hewer, disappointment, Experience, faith, God, healing, Men, prayer, trust, unanswered prayer, Women

2 Responses to “Should Christians expect healing?”

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Sandi says:

November 10, 2009 at 8:20 pm

That is so very true Cindy and most Pastors just do not want to teach the Cross we have been given to carry for His Glory. I read your other comments tonite also and I have walked in your shoes for many years. I have learned much and He continues to teach me; when HE says you are fearfully wonderfully made. He is my creator and we live in a sinful world where the enemy has caused sickness, etc. One day I will shed this afflicted body and be given a glorified one until then I keep on learning to accept myself just the way I am and give HIM Glory every opportunity.
Cindy says:

November 8, 2009 at 6:53 am

Thank you for this. Most churches do not understand this concept at all.