A Biblical Reflection on Unanswered Prayers for Healing
One of the hardest and most heartfelt questions we face as followers of Jesus is:
“If we pray in Jesus’ name, why aren’t all the sick healed?”
This is not just a theological issue — it’s deeply personal.
As someone who has been in ministry for decades, I’ve seen the power of God at work. I’ve personally witnessed hundreds of people healed — some instantly, others gradually — and I’ve experienced healing in my own life. I believe in praying bold prayers in Jesus’ name.
And yet, I’ve also prayed for many who weren’t healed. Some of them were people I was very close to. Like many of you, I’ve asked why?
Let’s look honestly — and biblically — at this tension.
1. God Is Still the Healer
Let’s start with what hasn’t changed:
God still heals. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Healing was part of His ministry, and the early church carried that same power in His name.
I’ve seen it. Many of you have, too. But when healing doesn’t come the way we hope, we must keep our eyes on what Scripture shows us — and what it doesn’t promise.
2. God’s Purposes Are Sometimes Beyond Our Understanding
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God…” (Deuteronomy 29:29)
Sometimes, even with faith-filled prayer, God chooses not to heal — or not yet. Even Paul, who regularly saw miracles, wasn’t healed of his own affliction. He pleaded with God three times and heard this:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Healing wasn’t withheld because of unbelief — but because of a greater purpose in Paul’s life and ministry.
3. We Live in the ‘Already, But Not Yet’
The Kingdom of God is here — but not in its fullness. Jesus brought healing, deliverance, and resurrection, but we still live in a broken world.
“We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for…the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23)
Even in the early church, not everyone was healed. Timothy had stomach problems. Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20). God’s kingdom has come — but we’re still waiting for its full arrival.
4. Sometimes Healing Is Delayed, Not Denied
There are times when healing doesn’t happen instantly, but later. Lazarus was allowed to die, only to be raised by Jesus for the glory of God (John 11:4). The man at the temple gate had been crippled for decades — but was healed after Jesus’ resurrection through Peter and John (Acts 3:2–10).
God’s timeline is not always our timeline. That doesn’t mean the answer is “no.” It might just be “not yet.”
5. Faith Matters — But Grace Matters More
Yes, Jesus occasionally connected healing to faith:
“Your faith has made you well.” (Mark 5:34)
And in one town:
“He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” (Matthew 13:58)
But even here, we must be cautious. Jesus never turned away someone who came sincerely. He healed crowds who didn’t even know who He was. We never want to place the burden of healing on the sick person’s shoulders.
Faith opens the door, but grace brings the healing.
6. Ultimate Healing Is Still Coming
Even those who were healed by Jesus eventually died. Earthly healing is temporary. Resurrection is eternal.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4)
Every believer will be healed — either in this life or the next. That hope anchors us in the middle of our unanswered prayers.
So How Should We Pray?
We pray like Jesus and the early church:
- With faith, knowing God still heals.
- With compassion, not condemnation.
- With trust, even when we don’t understand.
- With hope, looking forward to the day when all pain is gone.
I’ve seen God move. I’ve also sat with people who didn’t receive their healing — at least not yet. And in both moments, I’ve known this to be true:
God is still good. God is still with us. And healing is still part of His story.
So don’t stop praying. Don’t stop believing.
Because one day, the final word will be life.
