My family just got over COVID-19 for the second time since 2020, and this round was much more difficult for us. Additionally, one of our sons who was asymptomatic the last time, got very sick this time (and his coughs are still echoing through the house as I type this).

We’ve been sick twice since late summer, and I’m no fan, but more than that, there has just been a lot of loss. Family members of friends have passed, friends and family have gotten difficult diagnoses, and in the midst of all that we have annoyances like COVID-19 and walking pneumonia. Then there are the chronic illnesses and life-disabling diseases. This all has me thinking about wedding vows.

In Sickness and [Never] Health

It’s easy to pat ourselves on the back when we bring our family through an illness (“In sickness and in health! Look at me! I did it!”).

It’s far more difficult to look on the bright side when the sickness stretches through our days and nights and turns into months and years. When there is a chronic illness, recurrent cancer, or terminal diagnosis, it can be easy to become burned out and start to look for the healthy days like they’re a promise owed.

The promise, though, when we make our wedding vows, is not that God will grant us healthy days, but that we will stand by our partner through the sick and healthy ones.

“In sickness and in health” hits differently when a terminal or incurable diagnosis makes it clear there will never be another healthy day to look forward to.

Hope for the Healthless Days

Whether you’re a caregiver to someone you love or you have a tough diagnosis yourself, there is hope to be found in God’s Word.

God is There in Our Weakness

Chronic illness can make us feel forgotten, but God’s Word reminds us that He’s right there in our weakest moments. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Even when we feel powerless, God’s strength shines through. He never promised we’d have all good days, but He promised to be there for us when those hard days come.

Perspective is Everything
Chronic illness forces us to rethink what a “good” day looks like. Instead of dwelling on what we can’t do, we can try to focus on small victories: getting out of bed, moments of joy, or a day with less pain. Philippians 4:11 talks about learning to be content in all situations. Contentment isn’t about our circumstances being perfect; it’s about trusting in God’s unfailing love, no matter what.

Grace is a Game Changer
Illness affects everyone—family, friends, caretakers. It’s important to give grace to others, and also to yourself. You won’t always be patient or hopeful, and that’s okay. God sees our weariness and offers rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest doesn’t necessarily mean healed, but may mean peace—which brings healing of its own.

Community is Important
Chronic illness can be lonely, but God created us for community. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Letting others in—whether to pray for you, help you, or just be there—lets God show His love through them. When we share our struggles, we also help others see they’re not alone.

Trials Build Perseverance
Persevering through chronic illness is hard, but it’s also beautiful. James 1:2-4 tells us that trials build perseverance. Each day you endure is a testament to God’s sustaining power. Even on the toughest days, your perseverance points others to a faithful God who carries you through.

Hope Goes Beyond This Life
Our hope as Christians goes beyond this life. Chronic illness can make us long for a place with no more pain or suffering (Revelation 21:4). This perspective is not about giving up on the here and now—it’s holding on to the promise of a future where all things are made new. Remembering that our struggles are temporary can help us find comfort now.

There’s Beauty in Quiet Faith
It’s easy to celebrate big faith moments, but there’s so much beauty in the quiet, everyday faith of those enduring chronic illness. Hebrews 11 talks about heroes of faith who didn’t see the promises fulfilled in their lifetime, but they stayed faithful. Living with chronic illness is like running a marathon without an end in sight, but you know there is a finish line in the distance. Your daily trust in God is a powerful testimony. Your story matters, and your endurance brings glory to Him.

A Prayer for the Suffering

Father in Heaven, 

I come before you—King of the Universe and Holiest of Holies—to lift every caregiver and every loved one they walk alongside through illness. Lord, You see their weariness, their moments of doubt, and their quiet sacrifices that often go unnoticed. I pray that You would be their strength when they feel powerless and their comfort when they feel overwhelmed. Remind them, Father, that they don’t have to be perfect or have the perfect body or mind. Your grace is enough for us.

Help the sick and their loved ones to extend grace to themselves, forgive their own moments of impatience, and recognize that You love them right where they are. May they find rest in Your promise that You will give rest to the weary. Surround them with a community that uplifts them, and helps them to feel Your love through the hands and prayers of others.

Give them perseverance for each day, Lord. Let them see even small victories as Your goodness, and let Your peace wash over their hearts amid the unknown. Thank You, God, for Your steadfast love, patience, and joy that is sometimes all that brings us through our trials. Bless the chronically ill, the terminal, and the caregivers reading this now. Sustain them and remind them that they are never alone. I pray and believe in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.