How Illness can be More Fruitful than Health

If you had asked me a year or two ago if chronic illness could be more useful or fruitful than health, I would've replied, "No way!" Now of course, I never would tell that to a suffering person. But I definitely thought it regarding my own health problems.

Sickness greatly hinders my productivity. It keeps me from serving and ministry. It prevents participation in church life. It creates a huge financial burden on others I become dependent on. Ongoing sickness seems like a complete waste of time. 

This was my perception of my chronic illness. Spurgeon challenged me in his statement:

“Sickness has frequently been of more use to the saints of God than health has.”

Charles Spurgeon didn't just say this out of naivety. He experienced ongoing health problems and depression. His wife fought chronic illness and couldn't leave home to hear him preach for an extended period.

By God's grace, there are many things I’m continually learning about His work through sickness and suffering. I hope it will encourage you too, no matter the form of suffering you face.

Five ways chronic illness can be more fruitful than health:

1. Illness directs you to greater dependence on God. (2 Cor. 12:9-10) Often when we are well, we are incredibly self-sufficient, even though we desire to be dependent on God. Have you comes to grips with your own weakness and inability through illness or pain? This tumultuous, trying season helps point to your daily need for God. And what a beautiful thing, when in your weakness, His strength shines through.


2. Illness cultivates compassion on others who are suffering. (2 Cor. 1:3-7) Did you formerly walk by those who were suffering without much thought about how you could help or encourage them? Or perhaps you came across harsh to those you were trying to help. I have been guilty of this. Illness cultivates compassion for others who are hurting. So in essence, your sickness is making you more like Jesus!


3. Illness tests and reveals your heart. (Deut. 8:2) Just as God tested the Israelites in the desert to show them what was in their hearts, He often uses suffering to reveal what is in ours. And it's not usually very pretty. There is hope though, because whenever we are faced with the ugliness of our sin, we can confess that and find cleansing and freedom through Jesus. As your sin is on display through illness, run to Jesus, letting Him transform your heart and make you more like Him.


4. Illness pushes you to find your identity in Christ. (Col. 3:3) Has this sudden loss of everything has made you feel like you are no longer the same person? Me too. What's encouraged me is that what I can or can't do does not change who I am. Accomplishments, success, relationships, a job, or ministry do not give us purpose and meaning. Our purpose in life is found in being united with Christ. 


5. Illness reminds you that heaven is coming. (Eph. 1:11-14) We have an glorious inheritance ahead of us! The trials of today seem eternal. But they are not. If sickness can wean us from our attachment to the world and help us long for heaven, then it is producing great fruit in us. This future-oriented perspective makes us more effective in life and ministry.

I have wrestled with the purpose of my own extended season of chronic illness. I’ve frequently wondered, “How would my isolation and illness possibly be of more use than health?” But this season is not wasted. Not for you and not for me. In fact, you may look back on it and find that it was the most fruitful, growing season in your life. Take heart. God is using this difficulty in ways you cannot yet see.