Is it bad to turn to God when one is afflicted with a serious illness?
By bingskee
@bingskee (5234)
Philippines
March 8, 2013 8:45am CST
That is the question I was asked upon learning that someone has cancer at an advance stage. "Of course not," I answered.
Thinking about it, 
I look at the situation of the cancer patient as favorable than other situations where someone's life is snapped out of him or her because of a freak accident, or crime, for example. For me, there is still time to reflect, to ask for forgiveness, to do something for someone, etc. Even in pain and in weakness, if there is still time allowed for us to breathe, we have to make do of it and continue building something that could be left as legacy, or something to remember by. It is not with intention to be popular to others but it is more our duty to leave something behind that could be beneficial, and that would convey God's love and forgiveness.
Thinking about it, I look at the situation of the cancer patient as favorable than other situations where someone's life is snapped out of him or her because of a freak accident, or crime, for example. For me, there is still time to reflect, to ask for forgiveness, to do something for someone, etc. Even in pain and in weakness, if there is still time allowed for us to breathe, we have to make do of it and continue building something that could be left as legacy, or something to remember by. It is not with intention to be popular to others but it is more our duty to leave something behind that could be beneficial, and that would convey God's love and forgiveness.7 responses
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
8 Mar 13
Dear Ms Bingskee
Being infected with a serious illness myself (the Ulcerative Colitis which has rendered me jobless, and will turn into colon cancer someday) - I have learned that turning to GOD for any consolation is not going to cure anything or do wonders. But, before you mark me as an atheist, I would say, that turning to God will definitely bring upon peace of mind - which is quite something quite helpful - it doesnt cure but is definitely an asset and helps in cure or at least heal.
Suffering from any ailment is never to be seen as a curse or never be thought as a result of any sin as such thinking will always bring sadness, depression and enhance the illness. Instead, I believe in thinking that it is good that I am suffering because God did make me special and selected me for this ailment - because He thinks I can bear it better than anyone else I know.
Being infected with a serious illness myself (the Ulcerative Colitis which has rendered me jobless, and will turn into colon cancer someday) - I have learned that turning to GOD for any consolation is not going to cure anything or do wonders. But, before you mark me as an atheist, I would say, that turning to God will definitely bring upon peace of mind - which is quite something quite helpful - it doesnt cure but is definitely an asset and helps in cure or at least heal.
Suffering from any ailment is never to be seen as a curse or never be thought as a result of any sin as such thinking will always bring sadness, depression and enhance the illness. Instead, I believe in thinking that it is good that I am suffering because God did make me special and selected me for this ailment - because He thinks I can bear it better than anyone else I know.
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
8 Mar 13
That is a really uplifting way of looking at that. Thank you.
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
8 Mar 13
it was just a reaction to someone's question in relation to the situation of that ailing person.
i know that for some, clinging to hope from God is not the way to do it, given the fact that not all has a belief such as mine. i just happen to compare the situation and how i think about it.
if you ask me if i am going to tell these things i wrote to the ailing person, i will never do it. i would not play self-righteous. my thoughts on the matter is how i look at things if i am in that situation.
i was able to talk to the patient and what i did was suggest trying out the cleansing method with herbal supplements and organic living from a renowned doctor here. i hope they'll try visiting that doctor.
i know that for some, clinging to hope from God is not the way to do it, given the fact that not all has a belief such as mine. i just happen to compare the situation and how i think about it.
if you ask me if i am going to tell these things i wrote to the ailing person, i will never do it. i would not play self-righteous. my thoughts on the matter is how i look at things if i am in that situation.
i was able to talk to the patient and what i did was suggest trying out the cleansing method with herbal supplements and organic living from a renowned doctor here. i hope they'll try visiting that doctor.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
9 Mar 13
I tend to think that we should always be asking God for forgiveness throughout our lives and therefore we should not just turn to God when our life is at an inevitable crossroads.
However, after I've said that, I do think that I need to say that I don't think that there is anything wrong with a person turning to God when they have reached that crossroads in their lives. They know that their lives are coming to an end and of course they want to do anything that they can to ensure that they are not going to be going to hell.
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
8 Mar 13
I'm sorry to hear that a person close to you is suffering. If that is what gives them comfort then it is just that. It is giving them what they need at this time.
Then also have a for you. If that is what you believe, that you want to convey love and forgiveness...why wait? You say you still have time to reflex, wouldn't that be a daily practice then?
My father had his first round of chemo this last Monday. Went to see him yesterday and was so overcome by it. He has tremendous strength in him. I hope the best for your friend/acquaintance.
@atprudente6 (673)
• Philippines
12 Mar 13
Of course not. in fact it is God that tell us that we should cast our problems to HIM. He really wants to care for the sick and the needed if we just let HIM.
@tomford (135)
• Richmond, Virginia
12 Oct 15
its not bad I don't think God cares when or how you turn to him but that you do. it is comforting to have something to believe in when you are sick even while science is doing everything to cure you or make your time as painless as possible
