Speaking at the ninth annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music prize event, the American rapper and music producer described herself as a "walking testimony".
The 46-year-old, who rose to fame during the 1990s and 2000s, said: "Not everybody believes in God but I'm a walking testimony.
"I might have been some people but the God I serve is powerful, and if He wasn't, I wouldn't be standing here today.
The Get Ur Freak On performer added: "I was sick and I couldn't even lift a pen; my nervous system had broken...
"I didn't come up here in a wheelchair, nobody helped me get up here; I walked up here but it was through the grace of God."
Elliott did not disclose the reason behind the illness but she has previously spoken publicly about health issues, after being diagnosed with a thyroid problem known as Graves' disease.
She was presented with the Visionary Award at the Black Women in Music award by friend and fellow music star Janet Jackson.
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