Life and Death: In God’s Hands Alone

3–4 minutes

Living with a terminal illness is like riding an unrelenting emotional roller coaster, where physical pain crashes like waves against the shore of your soul. Each day brings a stark choice: turn away from God in bitterness or double down on faith, clinging to His promises amid the storm. I’ve chosen the latter, but I’d be lying if I said doubt never creeps in. Why this suffering? Yet, deep down, I believe God can heal my body—He is the Great Physician. My doubts stem from my frail human nature, whispering, “Am I even worthy of such a miracle?”

The Bible assures us that God’s unwavering love isn’t based on our worthiness. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We weren’t worthy then, and we’re not now—it’s all grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 echoes this: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” God intercedes not because we’ve earned it, but because He loves us fiercely, as John 3:16 reminds: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In my moments of questioning, these truths anchor me: His love is steadfast, not conditional.

My journey mirrors Job’s ancient ordeal. Job, a righteous man, lost everything—health, wealth, family—in a torrent of trials. He endured boils covering his body, agonizing pain that made him curse the day of his birth (Job 3:1-3). Friends accused him of hidden sin, but Job wrestled with God, demanding answers. Yet, he declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). Like Job, my illness tests my faith, stripping away illusions of control. But Job’s story ends in restoration (Job 42:10-17), showing that suffering can refine us, drawing us closer to God’s sovereignty.

This leads to a profound truth: life and death belong to God alone. Deuteronomy 32:39 proclaims, “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.” In a world pushing “death with dignity” or physician-assisted suicide as compassionate options, this scripture stands as a firm rebuke. Such choices presume to usurp God’s timing, robbing us of the opportunity to exercise faith and allowing Him space for a last-minute miracle or reprieve. Job didn’t end his life prematurely; he waited on God. Similarly, we must trust His plan, even in pain, for He alone holds the keys to life and death.

Moreover, our suffering pales compared to what Jesus endured. He, sinless and divine, bore the cross’s agony—whippings, thorns, nails—for our redemption. Isaiah 53:5 foretells: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Jesus’ torment secured our eternal place in God’s kingdom. Romans 8:18 affirms: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” In this light, suffering becomes a privilege—a share in Christ’s redemptive work, forging character and hope (Romans 5:3-5).

As I navigate this path, I choose faith over fear. God loves me not for my worth, but because I am His. Life and death are His domain; in surrender, I find peace. If you’re battling illness, hold on—your story isn’t over until He says so. Trust in His love, endure like Job and Jesus, and watch for His glory.


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