Why Does God Allow Disability to Happen?
Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?” Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. John 9:1-3 from The Message
Unfortunately some Christians think that that every illness or disability must be the result of a lack of faith or sin in a person’s life. What a discouraging burden to put on someone who’s already struggling!
We don’t become disabled because we’re being punished for something. Neither are we defective because even in our disability, we’re fearfully and wonderfully made and God has a plan and a purpose for our lives.
I don’t like living with chronic illness, pain or suffering. I’d take the healing in a minute. But I’ve come to the place that God allows suffering for His purpose. I’ve learned many life lessons as a special needs mom and as a person with a disability. It’s taught me to be patient and to persevere. It’s deepened my prayer life. And it has given me a deeper compassion for the marginalized in our society which is also the heart of God.
Being disabled with dystonia and ulcerative colitis has also forced me to accept my limits and not be so self sufficient which in all honesty, I hate. I don’t want to need anybody or ask for help, but when I became incapacitated for a time there wasn’t much choice but to learn to rest in God’s care and provision.
God can use any and every illness or disability to bring glory to His name. At times He may do that through a physical healing but sometimes He works in the situation by giving you the supernatural strength to persevere to keep on going even when you’re struggling with chronic illness or disability.
I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations…At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Excerpt from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 The Message
Living with disability is so hard. I have days where I’m functioning relatively well and other days where I’m leveled. It’s depressing and lonely at times. But God has been my strength throughout my disability journey and He has always been faithful to provide.
Speaking from my experience as a special needs mom, we’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing people who are on the journey with us and those who come along aside to minister to families like ours. My son has become my greatest spiritual teacher. Of course some days are still difficult. Having a disability like ulcerative colitis which demands that I locate a bathroom within 5 minutes of feeling the urge makes taking my son out to be very challenging, especially now that he’s an adult.
I’ll never know this side of heaven why I had to experience disability on top of the demands of being a special needs mom. I feel very helpless at times, but I know that He will be with me on the path as I continue on this journey. All I have to do is remember to abide in Him, and to continue in prayer and meditation to seek His will for my life.
God, this is hard to ask but let me rejoice in illness and in disability, even as I pray for healing and practice self care, for I know the plans You have for me are good. Use my disability to bring You glory in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I really enjoyed this post. As a disabled individual who has had health issues since childhood, I have been there! I have learned to take one day at a time. Be thankful for the good days and even more thankful when I wake up and can’t move. I think of Job and of Jesus, all they went endured, and it gives me strength. I cannot answer the question of why, so I have stopped torturing myself by asking. Remembering to obey Philippians 4:8, even when I don’t feel like it or want to, is a tremendous help. Conquering our minds is actually more than half the battle. Thanks for sharing!
People born with disabilities are even more special and known in Heavenly Fathers eyes. They choose to come and have this disability to deal with in their human life. They are such strong spirit children. Test for us on how we treat them.
I have also struggled with chronic illness. It is so hard to understand but I have clung to that passage in 2 Corinthians and reminded myself constantly that this must be an opportunity for God to work in a way I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Thank you for the encouragement. I really needed it this morning.
This is such a great post. Very nicely written. I can relate to the disability you mention. Living with back chronic pain is no fun and depressing at times. I’m grateful for the good days and also embrace the bad. Thankfully, God is faithful to provide.
As someone who does not live with a disability, this post helped me to see life on the other side. Thank you for helping me understand.
I really enjoyed reading this post. I teach special education preschool for severely disabled 3-5 year olds and every day I feel blessed to know each one of them. They all have so much to offer the world, and my hope is that others can see that as well. It has been such an honor to work with their parents- they are the hardest working moms and dads out there!
This post is so vulnerable and insightful. I love your faith. Keep your eyes fixed on him. His faithfulness will always bring you through. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much!
You know people with disability are so special in my heart. My uncle has a disability, it was hard at first but my grandparents, mom, and dad explained it to me. They make you happy all the time, even when you have a bad day. They are special, and always be. This is a great post, thank you for sharing.
Beautiful and offers so much comfort. Your writing and insight are a treasure.. Thank you Marya!
Thanks for visiting and your encouragement Tom! And thank you for all you do for the disability community!
This post gave me chills — I was having severe gallbladder issues for a month then got it removed 3 weeks ago and have had complications ever since. Health-related problems are so isolating and cause so much anxiety, like you said! I am so encouraged by your faith though — I’m in the same place… believing that God can heal me but knowing that He is still good even if he doesn’t this side of heaven. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you for sharing your story. Prayers for healing and answers for you!