What does the Bible say about coping/dealing with a terminal illness?
Receiving a terminal diagnosis can be devastating and life-altering news. As a Christian facing the end of life, it is natural to wonder what God says about finding peace, comfort, and hope in Him through this difficult season. The Bible offers many truths and promises for those coping with terminal illness that can provide strength and encouragement along the journey.
1. God is with you in suffering
One of the most comforting messages in Scripture is that as believers, we do not suffer alone. God promises to be present with His children even in the darkest of valleys. Psalm 23:4 declares, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” God does not abandon His people in their time of need. The Holy Spirit is our constant comforter and guide (John 14:16-17). We can be confident that the Lord walks beside us and upholds us by His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
2. Death has been defeated in Christ
While death is inevitable for all as a result of sin, Jesus Christ conquered the power of death through His resurrection. For those who put their faith in Christ, the grave no longer has the final say. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 proclaims, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?…But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The hope of eternal life with Jesus gives meaning and purpose to our suffering on earth. While we grieve death, we do not grieve as those without hope of the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
3. God works all things for our good
It can be difficult to see any good purpose in a terminal diagnosis. Yet Scripture tells us that our loving Heavenly Father works even the darkest circumstances for the good of those who belong to Him (Romans 8:28). While God does not cause evil, He is able to use painful situations to draw us closer to Himself, make us more like Christ, and bring about His perfect will. As we yield our life into His hands, we can trust He will use our illness to refine and redeem us.
4. We can cast our cares upon the Lord
At times, the weight of terminal illness feels too heavy to bear. When fear, doubt, anxiety or depression close in, God invites us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). The Psalms are full of David’s raw prayers crying out to the Lord from a place of deep anguish, pain and sadness. We follow in David’s footsteps when we bring our honest laments to the Lord. God is big enough to handle all our emotions. Run to His loving arms where you will find refuge (Psalm 62:8).
5. God will provide strength and courage
It is frightening to ponder the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges that often accompany the end of life. Yet we serve a God who promises to be the strength of our lives even when our bodies and minds grow weak. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). When we do not know how we can keep putting one foot in front of the other, God provides His sustaining grace and mercy moment by moment.
6. We can experience joy in the midst of sorrow
Walking with advancing illness is a deeply painful road filled with much grief and loss. Yet in the midst of brokenness, God provides streams of joy and gladness to refresh our souls. “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). We are given the supernatural ability through Christ to experience joy in the sorrow, displaying a hope and contentment that defies our circumstances. Others often notice and are drawn to the unmistakable radiance of Christ’s peace alive in His children, even in their darkest hours.
7. Prayer connects us to God’s peace
Prayer is our lifeline to the heart of God while navigating terminal illness. Through prayer, we lean into the presence of Christ and receive His supernatural peace which “transcends all understanding” and guards our hearts in our struggle (Philippians 4:6-7). God invites us to honestly share our feelings while trusting Him to care for us. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). Continual prayer keeps our focus on eternity rather than our earthly troubles.
8. Our suffering will end in glory
No matter how deeply we grieve or how acutely we suffer, Scripture reminds us that this life and its troubles are fleeting and temporary. Paul encouraged believers “not lose heart” because “this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). For the Christian, the best is yet to come! Our eternal home in heaven brings a joyful end and purpose to present afflictions. We can hope in the promise that one day, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4).
9. We are called to trust God
When facing death, we are called like righteous Job to trust the Lord even when we cannot understand His purposes. “Though he slay me, I will hope in him” (Job 13:15). His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Surrendering our need for control and fully trusting in God’s loving kindness requires faith. Yet we are able to entrust ourselves to the faithful Creator and find rest in placing our lives in His hands. He promises that those who hope in Him will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).
10. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us
One of the greatest comforts offered in God’s Word is the promise of the Holy Spirit interceding on our behalf when we do not know how to pray. “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us” (Romans 8:26). When we feel too weary, confused or heartbroken to form the words, the Holy Spirit speaks to the Father for us with “groanings too deep for words.” We can find peace in the Spirit’s continual prayers lifting our needs before God’s throne of grace.
The Bible provides invaluable wisdom and comfort for finding hope and peace while coping with terminal illness. By clinging to God’s Word, we are assured that the Lord walks closely with us through both life and death. His love sustains us and the saving grace of Christ shines bright even in the darkest valley. Though grief is inevitable, God whispers His steadfast promises into our mourning: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). We do not grieve as those without eternal hope, for the day is coming soon when “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a).
