A Nightmare's Silver Lining

One of the biggest questions surrounding Christianity is "How could an all-powerful, loving God allow suffering?" Logic tells us that God is either all-powerful and cruel, or loving and weak. The main response to this is that God allows suffering because "everything has a reason" and "something good will eventually come from it." But doubters will say, "How about all the things that happen and exist that have no conceivable silver lining?" I never have known exactly how to reply; I simply believe and for some that's not enough. So I have considered this question probably a thousand times, in light of the fact that we shouldn't always know God's plan or comprehend why things happen. I have considered it because I want to be able to say something other than the traditional response that they commonly receive.

The other night I had an experience that developed new thoughts. I wish to caution any readers that I do not study theology nor am I a pastor or a priest. These are simply some thoughts that I wished to share.

I woke up three nights ago in a panic. I had a nightmare in which my little sister, mother, and father had died. It was one of those dreams on which upon waking, for a split second, you still believe that it is real. Finally, a sense of, not only relief, but of appreciation sank into my stomach. I woke up from that nightmare loving my family even more if possible, realizing how much I take their being for granted, and accessing all the blessings that make me so lucky.

The next morning, I surmised that this could be another reason explaining earthly suffering. Maybe God allows suffering not only because it possesses a silver lining (hidden or visible) but because it leads to a greater good incomprehensible until we face our final hour. People will be more thankful, more blessed, more loving, less regretful, and less selfish in the heavenly end if they once have suffered earthly pains. It's similar to when people say, "You can't be truly happy, if you have never experienced sadness...you have nothing to compare it to."

My nightmare made me think that we suffer today to experience a greater appreciation for God and his love tomorrow. In the end, everything sad will suddenly become untrue; and eternity will be greater because life was once broken or lost.