“If you have your health, you have everything”

Recently at a church service, an older gentleman made the above statement to me. He is an amiable person with a kind heart and I do not believe he had any idea that my health is less than ideal. I grinned and nodded in agreement. His declaration however, continued to echo in my mind. Is this statement true? Do I believe it?

Health is defined as the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially freedom from physical disease or pain. It is said someone enjoys good health, a flourishing condition. Have you ever said someone was enjoying poor health?

“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like and do what you’d rather not.” - Mark Twain
“Be careful about reading health books. You might die of a misprint.” - Mark Twain

I don’t know anyone who would prefer to be unhealthy. You don’t need to train someone in pain to pray. If there is enough discomfort, many people will find themselves calling out to the One they claimed they didn’t believe exists.

There is a popular teaching today that is built on the premise that God desires you to be healthy and wealthy. This is certainly not a new notion, but is it biblical? Is good health a sign of God’s pleasure and poor health a punishment for our sins?

And as He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming, when no man can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:1-5

In the disciple’s world it was simple. If you are sick, injured, or have any other undesired condition – then you have sinned. Therefore, the opposite must be true. If you are healthy it must be the result of your obedience and God’s favor. So then you might conclude that if you have your health, you have everything. A thought process that is nice and neat and easy to understand. The problem is that it is not always true.

Then, Jesus’ answer turns their thinking inside out. No one sinned! How could this be? Why then has God punished this man all of his life with eyes that don’t work? Is there no reason this man has missed out on so much?

“It was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Not only had he not sinned, he was right in the center of God’s will. He was blind so that others might see “the light of the world.” Ironically, the one that was cast aside by his society and religious leaders was the one God intended to use from the beginning of time.

I have known people who are physically healthy and strong. They may be intelligent, gifted, and have all the “stuff” that this world believes defines a winner. Yet with all this going for them, they may still feel empty and without purpose. They find no contentment and often are suffering the consequences of sin and selfishness. They can be bitter, judgmental, and unforgiving. We may believe they are healthy and thriving, but God sees a soul that may be terminally ill.

On the other hand, I have known people who have faced devastating physical challenges who have become people who are loving, giving, humble, unselfish, and joyful. Not in spite of their trials, but because of them. In their lives you will see an extraordinary amount of peace and calm. They will also have a quiet, confident faith and wisdom. You will recognize them because they always seem to live in the presence of God.

One of these persons is my cousin’s son, Alex. Since birth he has dealt with the continuous challenge of health problems. Due to the power and grace of God and his amazing Godly parents, Alex has developed the spirit of David fighting his giants. He has a sweet and gentle heart. The testimony of his life is not one of tragic circumstances but of triumph - “the works of God are displayed in him.” According to God’s plan, Alex will continue to touch the lives of many people. Alex, you are one of my heroes of faith.

As for me, at first I viewed my health problems as a barrier and interruption to my life and ministry. Gradually, as God molded and shaped my life, I’ve come to understand that all of these tests of faith have been a part of God’s perfect plan. God has used these experiences to transform me to the likeness of his Son. This process has prepared me to minister to others in ways I could not have, unless I have walked the path He set before me.

Like the blind man, I know God will heal me according to His plan and timing. It may take place as an instantaneous miracle or through His provision of a new liver. He may also choose to heal me by calling me to my heavenly home. My main concern is that His work might be displayed through me.

So for me it is not a matter of health, but of hope. If I have God, I truly do have everything. Even as my health dims, my hope burns bright.

Broken in all the right places,
Dan