Retirement’s Final Challenge: Finish Well by Drawing Closer to God Even in SicknessSýnishorn

2. Your Illness May Be Someone Else’s Wake-Up Call

One of the surprising gifts of retirement is the time to reflect on your impact — especially on family and friends.

What legacy are you leaving? What are others learning from you?

Sickness may seem like a deeply personal experience, but in God’s hands, it can also become a powerful influence on the spiritual lives of others. This season of retirement — even if clouded by illness — might be the most fruitful chapter of your witness yet.

So, yes, sickness can feel isolating. You may wonder if anyone really understands what you're going through. But in the economy of God's Kingdom, your suffering isn't just about you. One of the mysterious gifts of illness is how it invites others to also draw near to God — through prayer.

Scripture is full of examples. When the paralyzed man was lowered through the roof by his friends, Jesus saw their faith — not just the man’s — and said,

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’” — Luke 5:20 NIV

It was the friends’ faith-filled action that moved Jesus. And it reminds us that sometimes, when we’re too weak to stand, others carry us in prayer.

Paul understood this too. Writing about a time of intense suffering, he said:

“On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” — 2 Corinthians 1:10–11 NIV

Paul knew his rescue was partly made possible by the prayers of others. Their intercession didn’t just support him — it strengthened them, too.

This is the second way sickness can draw people closer to God: it invites community into deeper dependence on Him.

Brain Cancer Miracle

Some years ago, a young girl in our church was diagnosed with brain cancer. Nothing could be done, the doctors said. But her parents didn’t give up — they gathered friends and family to pray like never before. Soon the whole church was on its knees.

God answered. And when He did, it wasn’t just the girl who was changed — it was all of us. That illness became a doorway through which many people were drawn into prayer, faith, and wonder. We grew closer to God because of her suffering.

Take Time to Reflect

Are you letting others pray for you? Or are you trying to face this alone?

Too often, we resist asking for prayer because we don’t want to be a burden. But Scripture urges us:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 NIV

Letting others pray for you isn’t weakness — it’s an invitation for them to grow. It may even be their first step toward renewed faith.

Ask yourself:

• Have I invited others into this journey of prayer?
• Who might be strengthened spiritually by interceding for me?
• Can I trust that God is doing something bigger through this?

Even if you feel helpless, your illness could be the very thing God uses to awaken someone else's faith.

Don’t underestimate what He can do with your suffering — for you, and through you.