what does the bible say?
Sickness is not part of God's original design, as He is holy and opposes sin, but it exists as a consequence of humanity's fall into sin. While illness can stem from the natural evils of our world, there are rare instances in the Bible where God directly inflicted sickness to teach lessons or discipline believers. Ultimately, God's sovereignty means He allows illness to fulfill His purposes, which may include demonstrating His power, bringing glory to Himself, growing others, or leading others to faith. In times of suffering, God grieves with us and often expresses His love through the care of others. Though we may not understand His plans in the moment, we can trust in His goodness and that He works all things for our ultimate benefit.