Biblical Answer

The Sovereignty of God in Suffering

When we ask why God took away our health, we often assume that God is either unwilling or unable to intervene in our lives. However, as Christians, we believe in the sovereignty of God over all creation. This means that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, and He works out everything for His own good purposes (Romans 8:28). When we suffer, it's not because God is unable or unwilling to help us, but because He has a greater plan in mind that involves our trust and dependence on Him.

A Faulty Theology of Suffering

Many of us have a faulty theology of suffering, which assumes that God wants to heal us simply because we ask. However, this view is not supported by Scripture. In fact, Jesus' own words and actions suggest that He doesn't always heal people, even when they ask. For example, Jesus told a man who was blind, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him" (John 9:3). In this case, Jesus didn't link the man's blindness to his sin, but rather to God's desire to display His power and glory. This teaches us that God's sovereignty and glory are often more important than our individual desires or circumstances.

Trusting God in the Midst of Suffering

When we suffer, it's easy to question God's love and sovereignty. However, as Christians, we are called to trust God, even when we don't understand His ways. We must believe that God has a greater plan in mind, one that involves our growth in faith, trust, and dependence on Him. As the apostle Paul wrote, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). This means that even in the midst of suffering, we can trust that God is working out His good purposes in our lives, and that He is using our struggles to refine us and draw us closer to Himself.