JOHN 11:4

The Scriptures affirm that even in our sickness, the Lord can be glorified. Sometimes He chooses to heal us, and there are times when we are not healed. However, it transpires for us, it is our sincere prayer that He be glorified. Jesus said concerning Lazarus’ sickness, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby” (John 11:4).

In fact, to some of us, the passage seems confusing, especially when Jesus Himself had to inform His disciples that Lazarus had died (v.11). Wasn’t this the same Jesus who had declared that this sickness was not unto death? However, what must be kept in mind is the full statement of Jesus. First, He said it was for the glory of God, but we also find Him purposefully saying “… Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep” (v.11). It is put forward for our consideration that this Jesus is not only healer of our bodies, but He is also the supreme resurrector of the dead. We can trust Him in sickness and even in death.

I find it interesting that, for whatever reason, sometimes when we are sick, we are tempted to hide our sickness. We seem reluctant or afraid to let others know. Yet should we not at least inform the brethren, so that the brotherhood of believers could band together as one unit to intercede on our behalf? Is this not what they did in the New Testament, which we espouse as our only rule of faith, practice, government, and discipline?

They constantly prayed for one another, bearing one another’s burdens, and were supportive and considerate of those going through any afflictions. If sick, they were instructed to call for the elders of the church to pray for them and over them. I trust that this church will never lose the heart of Jesus to help and heal all who are sick and hurting in any way. May none of us forget how fragile and breakable we all are. Though supremely loved by God, not one of us is immune to the sufferings and vulnerabilities of the human condition. Scriptures forcefully remind us “… But time and chance happeneth to them all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Now is no time to hide sickness!

It is utterly amazing how God can use even our sufferings to advance His cause. We must desire healing for no other reason than for the greater glory of God. I want the saints to know that He is still real when I am not well and languishing in pain for a while. Through my healing, I want the unsaved to be convinced that my God is real and that He is indeed a healer. We choose to believe that sometimes sickness is a test of our faith and endurance. Whether we get healed or not, we declare to God be the glory! Why hide?