Why doesn't God heal everyone? Understanding the mystery

 

One of the most challenging questions for believers and skeptics alike is why God doesn’t heal everyone. For Christians, this issue can feel particularly pressing because Scripture is filled with accounts of miraculous healings. Yet, in modern life, even faithful believers sometimes pray fervently for healing and don’t receive it. To understand this issue, we must explore biblical, theological, and practical perspectives.

1. The Nature of God and His Sovereignty

At the heart of this question lies the character of God. Scripture affirms that God is all-powerful (Job 42:2), all-knowing (Psalm 139:1–4), and perfectly loving (1 John 4:8). If God is both loving and omnipotent, why would He allow suffering to persist?

God’s sovereignty means He has a divine purpose and plan that often transcends human understanding. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us,

> “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

From a biblical perspective, God’s actions (or inactions) are not arbitrary but serve a higher purpose that may be beyond our comprehension.

2. Healing in the Bible: A Mixed Picture

The Bible is filled with miraculous healings, but not everyone in Scripture was healed:

Jesus’ Healing Ministry: Jesus healed many people during His earthly ministry (Matthew 4:23–24), but He didn’t heal everyone. For instance, in John 5:1–15, Jesus healed one man at the Pool of Bethesda, even though many others were waiting for healing.

Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh”: The Apostle Paul experienced what he described as a “thorn in the flesh,” likely a physical ailment, and prayed three times for it to be removed. God’s response was,

> “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

These examples show that God’s will for healing is not universal, even among the most faithful.

3. God’s Purposes in Suffering

While suffering and illness are consequences of living in a fallen world (Genesis 3), they are not always purposeless. God often uses suffering for:

Spiritual Growth: Trials refine our faith and character (James 1:2–4). Many Christians testify that their most profound experiences of God’s presence came during times of hardship.

A Testimony to Others: Suffering can provide a platform to glorify God. For instance, in John 9:1–3, Jesus healed a man born blind, saying,

> “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Dependency on God: Suffering reminds us of our dependence on God and the temporary nature of this life (2 Corinthians 4:16–18).

4. The Already-But-Not-Yet of God’s Kingdom

Christian theology speaks of the “already-but-not-yet” tension of God’s Kingdom. Jesus inaugurated God’s Kingdom on earth through His ministry, death, and resurrection. This includes miraculous healings, but the fullness of God’s Kingdom will not be realized until Christ’s return.

In the “already,” we see glimpses of God’s healing power.

In the “not yet,” sickness and death remain until God creates a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:4).

This tension explains why some people experience miraculous healings while others do not.

5. Faith and Healing

Some argue that healing depends on the faith of the person praying or the one receiving prayer. While faith is often a factor (Mark 5:34), it is not a guarantee. The Bible shows instances where people with little or no faith were healed (John 5:1–9). Moreover, focusing solely on faith can lead to guilt or doubt for those who aren’t healed, which contradicts God’s grace.

6. The Mystery of God’s Will

Ultimately, God’s will regarding healing remains a mystery. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us,

> “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”

Rather than dwelling on what we cannot know, Christians are called to trust in God’s goodness and His ultimate plan for redemption.

7. The Role of the Church and Medicine

God often works through human means to bring healing, such as medical professionals and caregivers. Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, was a physician (Colossians 4:14), demonstrating that faith and medicine are not mutually exclusive. The church also plays a role in ministering to the sick, offering prayer, comfort, and practical support.

8. Hope Beyond Healing

For Christians, the ultimate hope is not in physical healing but in the promise of eternal life. Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of a future where,

> “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.”

Even when physical healing does not occur, spiritual healing and the hope of resurrection provide comfort and assurance.

Conclusion

The question of why God doesn’t heal everyone touches on the deepest mysteries of faith, suffering, and God’s purposes. While we may not have all the answers, we can trust in God’s character, lean on His promises, and find hope in the eternal healing He offers through Christ.

This topic invites reflection, prayer, and community discussion. It challenges us to hold onto faith even when answers are elusive and to comfort others in their suffering with the same love and grace God extends to us.