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The Sovereignty of God in Painful Diseases and Suffering

The sovereignty of God extends to all aspects of creation and human experience, including painful diseases and suffering [6]. This divine control is not merely a passive oversight but an active involvement, even in circumstances that appear negative or destructive to human understanding. Biblical texts frequently portray God as the ultimate source or permitter of both health and sickness, demonstrating His absolute right to act according to His will [1, 6].

The Old Testament provides numerous examples where sickness is directly attributed to God's action. Deuteronomy 32:39 states, "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand." This verse encapsulates the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty over life and death, health and disease [1]. Similarly, Deuteronomy 28:59-61 warns of severe diseases and lasting sicknesses that the Lord will inflict if His commands are not followed [1]. One specific example is found in Deuteronomy 28:35, which describes the Lord striking with an incurable ulcer from head to foot [5]. These passages indicate that diseases can be sent by God as a form of judgment or punishment for sin [1, 7]. For instance, 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 describes a severe disease sent upon King Jehoram as a consequence of his wickedness [1]. The prophet Ezekiel also lists pestilence as one of God's "four sore judgments" on a guilty land, alongside sword, famine, and wild beasts [1].

However, divine sovereignty over suffering is not always presented as punitive. The book of Job, for example, explores suffering that is not directly linked to Job's personal sin, but rather occurs within the context of a divine allowance to Satan [1]. Job 2:6-7 describes God permitting Satan to strike Job with painful sores, demonstrating that even suffering inflicted by evil forces operates within the boundaries of God's sovereign will [1, 7]. The New Testament also acknowledges the devil's role in causing affliction, as seen in Luke 13:16, where Jesus refers to a woman who had been bound by Satan for eighteen years [1]. This suggests a complex interplay where God's sovereignty can permit secondary causes, including demonic activity, to bring about suffering [7, 9].

Beyond direct causation or permission, God's sovereignty is also evident in His ability to heal and restore. Exodus 23:25 promises protection from sickness for those who serve the Lord, and passages like Psalm 103:3 and Isaiah 38:5,9 affirm God's power and willingness to heal [1]. The Psalms frequently express reliance on God during times of illness, such as Psalm 41:3, which states, "The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health" [3]. Another psalm declares, "But I am in pain and distress. Let your salvation, God, protect me" [2]. John Gill, commenting on Psalm 30:2, interprets "thou hast healed me" as referring to either bodily disease or soul diseases, emphasizing God's role as the physician of both body and soul [13]. The New Testament further illustrates Jesus' authority over disease and death through numerous healing accounts, demonstrating the power of faith and God's compassion [12, 15]. Philippians 2:27 mentions Epaphroditus's severe illness, noting that "God had mercy on him," highlighting divine compassion in healing [4].

Theological traditions have long grappled with the implications of God's sovereignty in suffering. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist commentator, suggests that times of sickness are opportunities for self-reflection and remembrance of sin, prompting humility and a deeper examination of one's conscience [14]. This perspective aligns with the idea that suffering can serve a corrective or refining purpose. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:30, links sickness and death among some Corinthians to their improper participation in the Lord's Supper, indicating that divine discipline can manifest through physical ailments [1].

The concept of God's wrath is also relevant here. Romans 1:18 states that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" [10]. This wrath is not merely an emotional outburst but a holy response to sin, which can include the consequences of human actions and divine judgment [10, 11]. While not every instance of suffering is a direct punishment for a specific sin, the broader reality of suffering in the world is understood within the context of a fallen creation and God's righteous governance [10].

Christians are encouraged not to be surprised by trials and suffering, as these are often an expected part of living a godly life in a sinful world [8]. The Tyndale House commentary on 1 Peter 4:12 advises Christians to expect hostility and trials, referencing passages like John 16:33 and Acts 14:22 [8]. Even when suffering is not directly caused by God, His sovereignty means that He permits it and can use it for His purposes. This perspective does not diminish the pain of disease but places it within a larger divine framework, where God remains in control and can bring about good even from difficult circumstances. The ultimate hope for believers is in God's salvation and protection, even amidst profound distress [2].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sickness — Sent by God -- De 28:59-61; 32:39; 2Sa 12:15; Ac 12:23. The devil sometimes permitted to inflict -- Job 2:6,7; Lu 9:39; 13:16. Often brought on by intemperance -- Ho 7:5. Often sent as a punishment of sin -- Le 26:14-16; 2Ch 21:12-15; 1Co 11:30. One of God's four sore judgments on a guilty land -- Eze 14:19-21. God Promises to heal. -- Ex 23:25; 2Ki 20:5. Heals. -- De 32:39; Ps 103:3; Isa 38:5,9. Exhibits his mercy in healing. -- Php 2:27. Exhibits his power in healing. -- Lu 5:17. Exhibits his love in healing. -- Isa 38:17. Often manifests saving grace to”
  2. Psalms “But I am in pain and distress. Let your salvation, God, protect me. -- Psalms 69:29”
  3. Psalms “Psalms 41:3 (NASB) — The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health.”
  4. Philippians “For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow. -- Philippians 2:27”
  5. Deuteronomy “Deuteronomy 28:35 (DRC) — May the Lord strike thee with a very sore ulcer in the knees and in the legs, and be thou incurable from the sole of the foot to the top of the head.”
  6. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sovereignty — Of God, his absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure (Dan. 4:25, 35; Rom. 9:15-23; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 4:11).”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diseases — Often sent as punishment -- De 28:21; Joh 5:14. Often brought from other countries -- De 7:15. Often through Satan -- 1Sa 16:14-16; Job 2:7. Regarded as visitations -- Job 2:7-10; Ps 38:2,7. Intemperance a cause of -- Ho 7:5. Sins of youth a cause of -- Job 20:11. Over-excitement a cause of -- Da 8:27. Were many and divers -- Mt 4:24. Mentioned in scripture Ague. -- Le 26:16. Abscess. -- 2Ki 20:7. Atrophy. -- Job 16:8; 19:20. Blindness. -- Job 29:15; Mt 9:27. Boils and blains. -- Ex 9:10. Consumption. -- Le 26:16; De 28:22. Demoniacal possession. -- Mt 15:”
  8. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
  9. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:2: 2:2 Human sin results from our being governed by the devil, the spirit who rules both the powers of evil in the spiritual realm (see 1:21; 6:11-12; cp. Col 1:13) and human beings who refuse to obey God (2 Cor 4:4; contrast Rom 8:2-14; Gal 5:22-23).”
  10. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  11. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 1:31: 1:31 Evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions (see 1:15-19); God will ensure that sinners receive their proper punishment (see Matt 25:44-46; Heb 10:29; 2 Pet 2:9).”
  12. Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 8:40: 8:40-56 These two accounts of healing demonstrate Jesus’ authority over disease and death, and illustrate the power of faith.”
  13. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 30:2: O Lord my God, I cried unto thee,.... In the time of his distress and trouble; and whither should he go but unto his covenant God and Father? and thou hast healed me: either of some bodily disease that attended him; for the Lord is the physician of the body, as well as of the soul; and that either immediately, or by giving a blessing to means used; and the glory of such a mercy should be given to him: or else of soul diseases, which are natural and hereditary, epidemical, nauseous, mortal, and incurable, but by the grace of God and blood of Christ; and the healing: ”
  14. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 38:1: The title of this psalm is very observable; it is a psalm to bring to remembrance; the 70th psalm, which was likewise penned in a day of affliction, is so entitled. It is designed, 1. To bring to his own remembrance. We will suppose it penned when he was sick and in pain, and then it teaches us that times of sickness are times to bring to remembrance, to bring the sin to remembrance, for which God contended with us, to awaken our consciences to deal faithfully and plainly with us, and set our sins in order before us, for our humiliation. In a day of adversity cons”
  15. Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 9 (introduction): We have in this chapter remarkable instances of the power and pity of the Lord Jesus, sufficient to convince us that he is both able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him, and as willing as he is able. His power and pity appear here in the good offices he did, I. To the bodies of people, in curing the palsy (Mat 9:2-8); raising to life the ruler's daughter, and healing the bloody issue (Mat 9:18-26); giving sight to two blind men (Mat 9:27-31); casting the devil out of one possessed (Mat 9:32-34); and healing all manner of sickness (Mat”
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