Life is full of unexpected moments—some joyful, some challenging. One of the hardest trials we face is sickness, especially when it affects our loved ones. Last year, my daughter and I were excitedly preparing for a trip to Beijing when sickness struck. First, she fell ill and had to take antibiotics, and then I followed. As the days passed, the uncertainty of our trip loomed over us. Would we recover in time? Would we be strong enough to go? Would we experience God’s healing?
By God’s grace, we were “well enough” to board that plane. It wasn’t a dramatic, instant healing, but it was a miracle nonetheless. The strength to travel, the timing of our recovery, and the way things worked out were all in His hands. This experience reminded me of a deep truth: our lives are not our own.
When God Heals
Scripture is full of stories of God’s miraculous healing. Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. One of my favorite passages is:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” – Psalm 103:2-3
God is still our Healer today. Sometimes, His healing is immediate and supernatural. Other times, it comes through medicine, rest, or gradual recovery. Regardless of how it happens, healing is always a gift from God, and we must never take it for granted.
I saw this truth firsthand when my daughter and I were sick before our trip. The recovery was slow, and there were moments of doubt, but in the end, He restored us just in time. That healing was a reminder of His mercy and power.
When Healing Doesn’t Come
But what about the times when healing doesn’t come? What about the prayers that seem unanswered?
Just last month, at the end of January, my aunt fell ill. She had been battling leukemia, along with other complications, and her health quickly declined. I prayed fervently for her healing, believing that God could restore her. But within just ten days, she passed away. It was heartbreaking. I wrestled with questions: Why didn’t God heal her? Why did He take her away so suddenly?
I found comfort in the words of Paul, who also faced suffering:
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Sometimes, God’s answer is not what we hope for. His healing may not come on this side of eternity. But even when we don’t understand, God is still sovereign. He sees the bigger picture. While we grieve, we can trust that He is working all things for good.
Lessons in Sickness
Sickness has a way of slowing us down. When we are weak, we start to notice things we often take for granted—the kindness of a friend, the warmth of the sun, the beauty of a simple moment. It forces us to treasure life and to rely on God in ways we don’t when we are strong.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
My aunt’s passing reminded me of this. Life is fragile, and each day is a gift. While I wish she had been healed, I know she is now in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and suffering. And for those of us still here, her journey reminds us to cherish each moment, love deeply, and trust God fully.
Trusting God in Every Season
Through these experiences, I’ve learned to hold plans loosely and trust God completely. Whether in sickness or in health, whether He heals or not, He remains good. Our faith is not in outcomes but in Him.
We are reminded in Job’s story:
“The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” – Job 1:21
Healing is a gift, but so is the strength to endure when healing doesn’t come. My daughter and I experienced God’s mercy in our recovery, but in my aunt’s passing, I saw His faithfulness in a different way—through His comfort, His presence, and His promise of eternity.
Even in grief, I choose to trust Him. I may not have the answers, but I know He is with me.
No matter what happens, He is with us. In every sickness, in every recovery, in every waiting season—God is faithful.
