Why does God allow people to be disabled or handicapped?

TL;DR:

Physical disabilities are part of a fallen world. When Christ comes again, He will restore us all to perfection so that we can abide with Him eternally.

Scripture contains evidence that disabilities are a result of living in a fallen world. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, sin, evil, and brokenness entered the world, and this was passed on to all creation (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12–19; 8:20–22). We are born sinful, so in this way, we are all “disabled,” in some sense, from the perfect way God created us to be. Yet God works everything—even physical impairments—for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Scripture shows that God loves all of us, regardless of disabilities. The Mosaic Law includes protections for the disabled (Leviticus 19:14). Also, God uses us—disabled or otherwise—as a testimony to His grace and glory. God used Moses to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery despite Moses’s speech limitations (Exodus 4:10). In the New Testament, Jesus performed many miraculous physical healings that pointed people to His identity as Messiah (Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; John 9:3). Ultimately, those with faith in Christ will see their fallenness transformed into perfection and their tears of pain into rejoicing (Philippians 3:20–21; Revelation 21:4).

from the old testament

Though Moses was “slow of speech” (Exodus 4:10), he became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. No physical disability can prevent us from serving God.
God loves and accepts those who turn to Him, regardless of their physical abilities. In fact, in Mosaic Law, God included protections for those who have physical vulnerabilities: “You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:14).

from the new testament

Someone’s disability can serve as a powerful testimony for Christ. When a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus for healing, Jesus saw that the man needed his soul healed even more than his body and forgave him for his sins (Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5). When Jesus also healed the man's paralysis so that he walked away carrying the mat that he had just lain on, many in the crowd were amazed and glorified God (Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12).
Likewise, when Jesus healed a man “blind from birth” (John 9:1), Jesus told His disciples the man’s blindness was not because of any sin he had committed but “that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). Physical disability is a temporary consequence of a broken world; more important is spiritual health, which has eternal consequences.
God uses the weak, such as those with disabilities, to accomplish great things in His name. This was the case with the apostle Paul. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Those who put their faith in Jesus, regardless of the degree of their handicap or brokenness, can have hope, knowing that they will be fully restored when they meet their Creator in heaven: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

implications for today

“Why?” This seems to be a child’s favorite word. “Why can’t I eat ice cream before dinner?” “Why is the car behind us honking the horn?” “Why is the dog barking?”

As children of God, sometimes we might ask “why,” especially as it comes to the pain and suffering we see or experience from a disability. Disabilities are part of a world broken by sin. But as children of God—whether disabled or not—we can and should play a part in service for His kingdom. Something as simple as the hope a person has in Christ can be a powerful testimony to unbelievers.

The lyrics of an old hymn say of the Lord: “He’s able, He’s able, / I know He’s able, / I know my Lord is able / To carry me through.” The fact is that all of us are sinners and, if not for Christ, condemned. But because of Christ, we are perfect in God’s eyes. Though here and now, we may not be physically “able,” God always is. With Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

understand

Physical disabilities are a consequence of living in a fallen, sinful world but do not diminish a person’s value or God’s love for them.
God can use disabilities, weaknesses, or limitations to demonstrate His power, grace, and to accomplish His purposes.
Ultimately, all believers, disabled or not, will be fully restored and made perfect when they are with Christ in eternity.

reflect

How do you personally understand the role of suffering and disability within God’s bigger plan for this fallen world?
What has shaped your view of physical limitations or disabilities?
How might you use your own struggles or weaknesses to serve God and testify to His grace?

engage

How does the biblical perspective on disability challenge common cultural attitudes about ability and worth?
How can the church better support and include those with disabilities as vital members of God’s family?
How does the promise of future restoration and perfection in Christ affect how we live with current physical or spiritual weaknesses?