Why are you still on the earth right now, given that departing and being with Christ is far better? There is one reason. As part of the Body of Christ on the earth, you are an ambassador of Christ and a minister of reconciliation. In short, your purpose is to glorify God and be a shining light that draws others to Jesus Christ.

Sure, God is interested in your well-being and in giving you things richly to enjoy. But if you want things to enjoy, there will be a lot more of them in heaven! You aren't here just to see what you can get out of life (and out of God). Your life is not your own! You died and now Christ lives in you. You are Christ's servant for the rest of your days on Planet Earth. God wants you to bear fruit for him.


Once you understand why you are here, you will understand how ludicrous it is that God would want you sick and unable to care for yourself. He could use members of his Body in a greater way when they are well than when they are sick. You can't "go into all the world" from a bed in a nursing home. You can't go out and do the works of Christ when you are in a hospital needing the works of Christ to be done to you!

Since soul winning is the #1 priority of God's heart, it should be our #1 priority as well. Christ Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus sought that which was lost, and so should we. This is a major reason why God wishes above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.