Some people are healed and others are not because healing is ultimately subject to the will of God, not human desire or effort. Scripture shows that while God has the power to heal, He does so according to His purposes, which include testing faith, revealing His glory, granting mercy, or allowing suffering for growth and dependence.
God is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals:
“I am the Lord who heals you.”
(Exodus 15:26)
Jesus healed many during His ministry, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. Yet even then, He did not heal every person in every place. At the pool of Bethesda, He healed one man among many:
“Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years… Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’”
(John 5:5,8)
Paul, though used by God to heal others, was not healed of his own affliction:
“I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’”
(2 Corinthians 12:8–9)
This shows that God may allow illness to remain for a higher spiritual purpose. Timothy had stomach issues, and Paul prescribed a practical solution rather than performing a miracle:
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”
(1 Timothy 5:23)
Healing in Scripture is never portrayed as automatic. It is a gift, not a guarantee. It is granted for God’s glory, not human comfort alone.
Faith is involved in healing, but not always the determining factor. Even with great faith, some were not healed because God’s will was otherwise.
“And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.”
(Hebrews 11:35)
While we are called to pray for healing (James 5:14–15), we must submit to the outcome in faith, knowing that God’s ways are perfect, and His grace is sufficient.
