Each of us will go through trials in our life. There’s no hiding from it and there’s no getting around it. I’ve heard the saying many times that ‘either you are in a trial now, you’ve just come out of a trial, or you’re getting ready to go into a trial.’
Sickness is a common trial many people face in their lives. Either you or someone you care about will be seriously ill during this life. Maybe the suffering from this disease has already started.
Trusting God when you are sick can be EXTREMELY hard to do! There are a lot of questions going through your mind. You’re probably doubting His faithfulness and love. Like Job, you might even think God is against you.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, my faith was challenged in ways I never thought possible. I questioned God and blamed Him for my suffering. But, God walked me through that fire, and I came out on the other side with renewed faith and hope.
As the years have gone by, along with other trials, I’ve faced an ever-growing mound of health issues. Sometimes it seems like I can’t catch a break! I’ve cried out to God that it isn’t fair. Why me?
I don’t know why my health isn’t what it used to be. I may never have answers in this life. And I don’t understand why so many others have worse sufferings than I do. But I do know God is faithful. He taught me to trust Him with my sickness. In this post, I’ll share with you 5 ways I learned to trust God when I was sick.
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What the Bible Says About Sickness
Before we get into what helped me trust God during sickness, I want to take a look at the Bible. Let’s look at what it says about sickness. Some of my favorite scriptures promise comfort from God for those who are sick or suffering.
Matthew 5 is a popular passage known as the beatitudes. In verses 1-12, Jesus tells a characteristic of someone, and then gives a blessing to that person. Verse 3 is the first blessing, which reads, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV) I feel poor in spirit each time I face a new sickness, so this blessing is very comforting to me.
Another one of my favorite scriptures about sickness is Psalm 30:2. “O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” This is a great verse to meditate on and to pray aloud when you’re sick.
There are so many Psalms about sickness and suffering. Another one of my favorites is Psalm 41:3. It reads, “The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to full health.” Even if our healing isn’t found here on this earth, I’m comforted knowing that God WILL one day restore me to full health.
Some passages give specific instructions to follow when you’re sick. James 5:14-16 says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
The day before I had cancer surgery, our church family did this for me and my husband. I believe 100% that following these instructions found in the Bible is one reason I am still here. Reading the Bible will help with trusting God when you are sick.
Is it Wrong to Question God When You are Sick?
When you’re sick and hurting, it’s only natural to ask questions. Why me? Why is this happening? You might even want to question God. But, is it a sin to question God when you are sick? Let’s find out.
In the old testament, the story of Job tells us he questioned God. When his entire world fell apart, cried out to God, asking Him, “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?“ (Job 3:11 NIV) Job’s suffering was so great, he asked God why he was ever allowed to be born.
It wasn’t a sin for Job to question God. God is there to answer our questions. He wants to hear our thoughts, both good and bad.
Even though Job questioned God, he still remembered who God was. In chapter 42 Job says, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (verse 2) Job understood that God’s ways weren’t his ways. Even though he questioned why he was suffering, he never doubted God.
5 Ways to Start Trusting God Through Health Issues
You now know what the Bible says about sickness. Also, like the example of Job, you know that it’s okay to question God when we are suffering. Now it’s time to move past that. It’s time to work on trusting God when you are sick.
I wish I could say that as soon as I was diagnosed with cancer, I turned my sickness over to God and never worried about it again. But that’s simply not true. I struggled intensely, especially through the first few months. My emotions were all over the place. I spent months feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and depressed.
So how did I learn to start trusting God with my illness? And how am I able to continue trusting Him as more physical problems come my way? It’s not been easy, and I struggle daily. Here’s how I learned to trust God when I’m sick.
Pray More When You are Sick
If you’re anything like me, you usually go to God when you need something. You want Him to bless you with something you think you need. Or maybe you are asking for someone you know to be healed.
For many years, this asking God for “stuff” was my normal prayer life. I might throw in praise or a thank you at times. My prayers were centered around my wants.
It took my lowest point in life for me to strengthen my prayers. Completely broken, shaken down, and nowhere else to go. All I could do was cry out to God.
Since I had nowhere else to turn, I started talking to God all the time. I began my days with prayer and Bible reading. Then throughout the day, I would bring every worry and anxious thought straight to Him. I would also end my night with prayer and journaling.
After a while, I wasn’t just bringing my needs to God. I started talking to Him about everything, good and bad. I would begin and end my days with praise and thanks. Even now, I continue to begin my days talking to God. I can’t imagine my day without prayer! Turning to Him will help with trusting God when you are sick.
Read Bible Verses About Trusting God
Prayer was the first step I took when trusting God when I had cancer. Before long, I also added Bible reading into my morning time with God.
Someone gave me a journal when I was recovering from surgery. It had lined pages for writing. But I noticed that many of them were headed with a Bible verse.
At first, I started looking up the verses in the Bible. I would read the chapter it was found in, and add that scripture into my prayers. After a while, I began looking for devotionals that highlighted inspirational scripture passages. I would also research the Bible for passages that reminded me to trust God with everything.
One of my favorite verses on trusting God is Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” I’m reminded that God is working for me, and not against me. If I’m living by His purposes, then I should trust Him completely.
Isaiah 41:10 is another great verse to remind us to trust God. It reminds us to, “… fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” It reminds me that God is always with me, no matter what.
Another verse I have turned to through my health issues is 2 Corinthians 1:4. “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (NLT)
I may never know all the reasons why I got sick. But, I do know that God wants me to use whatever happens in my life to glorify Him. I can use what I’ve been through, and what God has done for me, to help comfort others in need. Reading the Bible will help with trusting God when you are sick.
Self-Care Practices When You are Sick
Getting sick is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. An illness often forces us to slow down and get some rest. It also encourages you to make self-care a priority. Here are a few self-care practices to use when you’re sick.
Getting more rest is the most obvious self-care practice. Most adults need more rest, whether they are sick or not. Your body heals itself when you rest.
There are several ways you can get more rest when you are sick. Find a quiet place where you can breathe and collect your thoughts. You might even want to take a short nap if you have time.
Exercise is another self-care practice to use when you’re sick. Just remember to start small. Nobody expects you to run a marathon when you’re not able to walk a mile. Going for a short walk is a simple and easy way to get some exercise. Swimming is another great exercise for someone who’s sick. It’s a full-body exercise that’s easy on your joints.
If you want to try a new exercise for self-care, be sure to talk to a health care professional beforehand. You want to find something safe and healthy that works for you.
Maybe rest feels impossible for you. You’re so busy adjusting to your new normal, and your brain just won’t stop going 100 miles per hour. How in the world can you get more rest?
When I feel like my mind won’t stop and I can’t catch a break, the only way I can find true rest is through my faith. “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him,” Psalms 62:5 (NIV) I’m thankful that I can find true rest anytime I need it.
Finding Joy During Health Issues
When you’re sick, finding joy might feel non-existent. How in the world are you supposed to find joy when your world is falling apart? It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But finding joy will help you with trusting God when you are sick.
What are some ways you can find joy during your illness? Wishing for joy isn’t going to make it magically appear. You have to change your mindset to help you find joy in everyday life.
It can be something simple like enjoying a beautiful sunrise. Maybe you couldn’t sleep at all, and the sun coming up reminds you that you’re exhausted. Instead of dwelling on how tired you are, turn your thoughts around and soak up the beauty of the rising sun.
You can find joy in many different ways. You could try reading a good book. For others, a new pet might be just what they needed. Spending time with family and friends can also spark joy in your life.
Sometimes we need a little extra help finding joy during suffering. Talking to a counselor might be what you need to get the negative thoughts out of your mind. Your doctors will probably know a good counselor to help you through the rough patches. There are also other therapies and even medications that can help you through. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you need mental health assistance.
Faith can also help you find joy during your illness. Romans 8:18 reminds me why I have joy and hope in God. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (NIV) I know that life is temporary, and the real glory begins when this one ends. Finding joy through your faith will help with trusting God when you are sick.
Focus on Others to Help You Trust God
Whenever you are having troubles, it’s hard to focus on anything but those struggles. If you’re not careful, your struggles will consume your entire thinking. All you can think about is yourself and how unfair life is. I know how it is. Trust me, I’ve been there before.
One of the best things I ever did to start trusting God was to focus on other people instead of my own problems. Focusing on others reminds me that I’m not the only one who has health issues.
There are so many people in the world who deal with more struggles than I do. Watching them go through those issues shows me how truly blessed I am. It reminds me that God has brought me through so much, and He will continue to do so.
Focusing on other people also reminds me that I need to give back. I know God has done so much for me. I will use these blessings to help others. And don’t forget, giving to others will make YOU feel better too!
I hope that at least one of these tips helps you with trusting God when you are sick. If you’d like to get more content on faith, wellness, and family, be sure to subscribe below. And don’t forget to check out the free Resource Library Links and download anything you find.
Blessings,
