Why Does God Allow Cancer and Incurable Diseases? (The problem of pain) (7)

[1] Why Does God Allow Cancer and Incurable Diseases?

• Cancer and incurable diseases, such as Alzheimer's, ALS, muscular dystrophy, or chronic kidney failure, raise profound questions.
• These illnesses often bring devastating emotional, physical, and spiritual pain not only to the patient but also to family, friends, and carers.
• People naturally wonder: why would a loving and powerful God allow such suffering to exist? Why doesn’t He heal or prevent it?
• Christianity does not shy away from this question. It confronts it with biblical realism, acknowledging the reality of pain while also affirming God's love, justice, and eternal plan.
• The Christian worldview gives a meaningful, though not exhaustive, answer rooted in Scripture and faith.

 What the Bible Says About Sickness and Suffering

• Creation Was Originally Perfect: Genesis 1:31 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
• There was no death, disease, or suffering in the original creation.
• Sin Introduced Corruption: Genesis 3:17-19 After Adam and Eve sinned, God said: “Cursed is the ground because of you… By the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food until you return to the ground.
• This fall affected every part of creation, including nature and the human body. Death and disease became part of the human experience.
• All Creation Groans: Romans 8:20-22 “The creation was subjected to frustration. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
• Cancer, genetic disorders, and degenerative diseases are part of this groaning signs that the world is no longer as it should be.

[2] Why Does God Allow Cancer and Incurable Diseases?

• A Broken World: Diseases like cancer result from a world fractured by sin. Genetic mutations, environmental damage, and cellular breakdown were not part of God’s original intent but now affect human biology.
• Not Always Human Fault: While some diseases may be linked to personal choices (e.g. smoking and lung cancer), many illnesses occur for unknown reasons. Christians affirm that these are not necessarily punishments for sin.
• God Sees the Bigger Picture: Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.”
• What appears as tragedy to us may have a higher purpose we do not yet comprehend.

The Role of Suffering in God’s Plan

• A Call to Repentance and Faith: Luke 13:1–5 Jesus refers to a tragic tower collapse and asks, “Do you think they were more guilty? No unless you repent, you too will perish.”
• Illness may lead people to reflect on life, eternity, and their relationship with God.
• A Tool for Greater Good: Romans 8:28 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
• A cancer diagnosis might awaken spiritual life in someone, strengthen family unity, or lead others to serve and support the ill. None of the suffering is wasted in God’s economy.
• Examples of Good Emerging from Pain: A terminally ill patient may find profound peace and joy in Christ.
• Families may rediscover prayer. Entire communities may rally to support one another, reflecting God’s compassion.

 God's Presence in the Midst of Suffering

• He is Near the Broken-hearted: Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
• God is not distant. He walks with those who suffer.
• Jesus Understands Human Pain: Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses.”
• Jesus experienced rejection, betrayal, physical pain, and death. He is not a distant observer—he entered into our suffering.

Human Responsibility and Disease

• We Are Stewards of Creation: Genesis 1:28 God commanded humanity to care for the earth. Yet environmental pollution, industrial chemicals, and poor health decisions have contributed to disease.
• Christians Are Called to Serve the Sick: Matthew 25:36 “I was sick, and you looked after me.” Supporting those with cancer through prayer, companionship, medical aid, or advocacy is part of living out our faith.

 Why Doesn’t God Heal Everyone?

• God Heals, But Not Always Now: Matthew 4:23-24 Jesus healed many during His earthly ministry, showing God's heart for healing. Yet even the apostle Paul experienced unanswered prayer: 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 “There was given me a thorn in my flesh, three times I pleaded, but He said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’”
• God’s Strength in Weakness: Suffering may serve a spiritual purpose. A cancer patient may become a source of inspiration and deep faith to others.
• The Hope of Eternal Healing Revelation 21:4  “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
• Full healing comes in eternity. Colossians 1:19-20 Through Jesus’ resurrection, God is “reconciling to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
• Isaiah 65:17-25 A vision of a renewed creation without suffering.
• Job: A Biblical Example of Suffering Without Explanation
• Job’s Suffering: Job was described as blameless and upright (Job 1:1), yet he lost his health, wealth, and children.
• Unknown to him, it was a test allowed by God, not punishment.
• Job's Questions: Job cried out in confusion and grief. His friends falsely blamed hidden sin, but Job maintained his faith even without understanding.
• God’s Response: Job 38-41 God answered not with explanations but with 42 questions pointing to His divine wisdom: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” “Do you give the horse its strength?”
• Job’s Realisation: Job 42:5 “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.”
• Job’s suffering led to a deeper relationship with God. He didn’t get answers; he got God Himself.

 Final Reflection

• We may never understand all the reasons for suffering in this life.
• Christianity does not dismiss pain but teaches us to trust God in the midst of it.
• The cross reminds us that God entered human suffering. The resurrection guarantees that suffering will not have the final word.
• Romans 8:28 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:12 “Now we see only a reflection; then we shall see face to face.”

[1] https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/can-cancer-be-gods-servant

[2] If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil" by Randy Alcorn