Besetting Sin

Sometimes, the sickness may be the result of besetting sin. Many of us have particular weak point in our character that we battle with for much of our Christian life. (I suspect that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was a besetting sin and not weak eyesight as is often suggested.)

A good example of a besetting sin causing sickness can be seen in the life of Jacob. A weakness in his character was that whenever he got into trouble, he would try to manipulate events, rather than trust in God. He even wrestled with God, rather than trusting him. God touched his hip and gave him a limp, to remind him of his weakness (Gen 32:31). Jacob could not be healed of his limp, until he got victory over his besetting sin that caused it.

If our sickness is caused by a besetting sin, we may not be healed until we get victory over it. This may take time. Strong spiritual support from Christian friends and elders may be needed to speed the process.