When Sickness Becomes Faith’s Stage

Illness is never easy. In Scripture, though, sickness is not always about punishment or bad luck. Sometimes it becomes the very stage where faith shines brightest and God’s glory is revealed. Both the Old and New Testaments give us examples of how weakness, pain, and even death itself were turned into moments of faith and healing.

New Testament: Jesus Connects Sickness and Faith

Over and over again in the Gospels, Jesus highlights faith as the key that unlocks healing. Here are some powerful examples:

• The Blind Man (John 9:1–3)
  “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
• Lazarus (John 11:4, 40)
  “This sickness will not end in death… it is for God’s glory.”
• Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:34)
  “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
• Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:36)
  “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
• Two Blind Men (Matthew 9:28–29)
  “According to your faith let it be done to you.”
• Ten Lepers (Luke 17:19)
  “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
• Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:10, 13)
  “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

Old Testament: Moses and the Bronze Serpent

This connection between sickness and faith isn’t only in the New Testament. We see a striking example in the wilderness:

Numbers 21:4–9 – When Israel complained, God sent fiery serpents. The people were dying. God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up. Whoever looked at it in obedience and faith was healed.

Jesus Himself connected this event to His own mission: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” (John 3:14–15)

Another OT promise comes in Exodus 15:26: “I am the Lord, who heals you.”

The Big Picture

• Sickness is not always punishment.
• Sometimes it becomes a platform for God’s glory.
• Faith is the response God looks for — whether it’s looking at a bronze serpent in the desert or trusting Jesus in the Gospels.

Healing is not about formulas or rituals. It’s about believing that God is able, and trusting Him even in the weakest moments.