Sickness Can Draw You and Others Closer to God, if You Let It – Here’s HowНамуна

Let Your Sickness Draw Your Friends & Family Closer to God

Sickness can feel isolating. You may wonder if anyone really understands what you're going through.

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 also... Check how he writes about a time of near-death suffering:

“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 deepened their own trust in the God who hears.

This is the second way sickness can draw us closer to God: it pulls the people around us into deeper faith.

When others pray for you, they are invited into God’s presence on your behalf. They learn to depend on Him, to listen for His voice, and to trust His timing. Your illness can become a training ground for someone else’s spiritual growth.

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 that’s not what the parents believed, and so they gathered friends and family to pray – more deeply than ever before – for this young girl. Soon, the whole church was in prayer. Sometime later, God answered our prayers!

As a result of this little girl’s sickness, many of us were drawn closer to God in prayer, and later in amazement and thanksgiving. That sickness served a great purpose and brought great honor to God.

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 is not a sign of weakness – it’s a chance for them to grow in faith, hope, and love.

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?

Don’t underestimate how your sickness and prayer requests might awaken or strengthen a faith in someone else. Even if you feel helpless, your suffering could be the very thing God uses to call someone else back to Him.

Your illness is not wasted – it’s a call to community, and a doorway into grace.