Being sick in our day has almost become, as it is often said, “the daily bread.” Possibly, if we were to do research on the internet to find out what place the topic of illness, being sick, or getting sick occupies, we would place it in fourth or fifth place. This helps us realize that illness is a reality we face at every moment, either personally or indirectly through the suffering of a loved one, family member, or friends.
But, without a doubt, when we ourselves are the ones who are sick, experiencing pain, anguish, fear, insecurity, and doubt, illness becomes a great giant that we must overcome, often perhaps for most of us, without having the proper resources.
Why do we get sick? From a medical point of view, the question could be answered in several ways: Because our body’s defenses are weak and allow a virus, a bacterium, or a fungus to enter. Because we have some hereditary predisposition to certain diseases. Also because of our lifestyle such as poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, or addictions such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Accidents of any kind can also lead us to face a difficult moment in a hospital.
However, from a spiritual point of view, the answer may be found in the following words of Jesus Christ:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
This world, whose main characteristic is living in sin, that is, disobeying the Word of God, is full of afflictions that we cannot avoid. Whether we have trusted in God and recognize by faith that His Son Jesus, out of love, died on the cross so that we could be forgiven for that disobedience, or whether we continue to be rebellious and reject His love, we will have affliction, pain, illness, anguish, and fear.
But notice that in His words Jesus says that, although this is the sad reality of this world, He desires to give you His PEACE. He did not promise peace, He offered it. Why is this important? Because people can follow Jesus and still deny themselves this peace, and continue trusting only in their own solutions so as not to despair, often making wrong decisions. The true peace that can give us the rest, strength, and endurance we need cannot be found anywhere else but in Jesus.
It is not easy, it is not simple, to experience the pains and sufferings of an illness or to see your loved one so vulnerable and defenseless, but when we accept and have the peace that Jesus offers, we will have a calm heart and without fear despite the suffering. I invite you to place your faith and trust in Jesus. Only in Him will you find the rest you need when illness touches your life, your family, or a loved one. Do it today; it is the best decision you can make.
Carlos G. Sánchez H.