Accepting chronic illness as a Christian can be extremely challenging! I know this first-hand; I know the Bible says Jesus heals, and I know full well He still does today. I also know that acceptance of a chronic health issue is important in moving forward. As a Christian, though, I thought this was the issue, that both couldn’t be possible at the same time! It took me a very long time, decades to be precise, to realise that it is possible. If you’re anything like me it can be a rollercoaster of mental health challenges and spiritual questioning. But we can know and believe in healing and become accepting of chronic illness as a Christian.
Experiencing chronic illness as a Christian can also be an opportunity, yes, you heard right an ‘opportunity’, for deep spiritual growth, deeper dependence on God, and a powerful testimony to others.
But how do you get to this point?
I’ve put together a practical framework to guide you through this process:
1. Acknowledge the Reality Without Denial
There’s nothing wrong with admitting you’re struggling.
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” —Mark 14:34
Even Jesus, in Gethsemane, expressed emotional and physical anguish. You’re not alone in your honest emotions.
Action: Journal or pray openly about your fears, grief, and pain. This is lament and is where healing begins.
2. Submit Your Suffering to Christ
Chronic illness doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. It simply means that you are in a different place. He is with you there too.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7
Surrendering doesn’t mean giving up hope; it means putting your trust in God, the One who carries your burdens.
Action: Pray, “Lord, I don’t understand this, but I trust You to walk with me through it.”
3. Replace “Why Me?” with “What Now, Lord?”
You may never get an answer to “why” this happened. But God will answer when you ask, “What now?”and “What are you teaching me in this situation?”
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” —Proverbs 3:6
Action: Ask God for a fresh vision. Your illness doesn’t disqualify you, it redirects you.
4. Speak Scripture Over Your Body and Mind
God’s Word brings peace, perspective, and power even when the body feels weak.
“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” —2 Corinthians 4:16
Action: Create a list of healing and comfort scriptures. Speak them daily, even when you don’t feel like it.
Here are some of the ones I use:
5. Find Purpose in the Pain
You are still called. Your illness doesn’t end your mission, it can become part of it.
“We comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received.” —2 Corinthians 1:4
Action: Ask how God might use your experience to help others. (For myself, God is redirecting Mindful of Christ Ministries to include those dealing with Chronic Health Conditions.)
6. Stay in Community
Don’t isolate. It can be easily done, especially when physical limitations are involved and throw mental helath challenges into the mix, it may feel easier to isolate. But you need faith-filled people to walk this road with you.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
Action: Join a support group, church small group, or connect with others who understand chronic illness and faith.
Our new Facebook group ‘Christians with Chronic Health Conditions (CCHI)’ is be a great place for this.
7. Allow Grace for Yourself
Some days you’ll be strong, some days you’ll struggle. God’s grace is sufficient every day.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9
Action: Rest. Don’t condemn yourself for needing help, slowing down, or not “doing enough.” And if you need help; ask for it, There is no shame in that either!
Both rest and asking for help has taken me a very long time to learn! After contacting Adult Social Care- I now have carers in and adaptions have been made.
If you’re in the UK, check your area ASC website, a referral can be done yourself or via your General Practitioner.
Prayer for Acceptance
Know someone who’s struggling to accept their diagnosis? Share this with them, a little hope can go a long way.
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Thank you for the Truth you shared in this post, Lauren. You are an encouragement to us all!
Thank you for sharing these scriptures and prayers. I know some ladies I will be sharing them with as God’s comfort in their pain. Blessings.
Bless you. xxx