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.
I know it's cliche but when God closes a door, he does open a window. The problem is that many times we stand around starring at that door, searching for the nonexistent key, or crying about our unfortunate situation when the way out is only a few paces away.Life has a way of never being perfect and always remaining unpredictable. We do not always get what we want. We may have to say good-bye to the people we love most. A shadow may, more often than not, be cast over our "happily ever after."We tend to weep when our door closes. We say, "Why me? Why did this have to happen?" We're persistent; we feel as if we need to go through that particular door. We beg for the job which was obviously not meant to be. We fight for the man whom is regrettably unavailable. We wallow in the loss of a friend, a valuable possession, a vacation opportunity, a promotion, an athletic competition. What we should be doing is saying "hello" to someone new, finding a more perfect career, celebrating our victories, and realizing our alternative possibilities. It's OK to be sad or frightened when your in a dark room and you may feel like your all alone. The problem develops when we spend too much time idling in the darkness rather than turning on the light; trying repetitively to knock down the door rather than discovering the wide-open window just across the room. Trust me, you'll wake up with a lot less bruises if you take the time to walk a few extra steps. Don't miss your way out because your too focused in one direction. The door is closed for a reason. Sometime it may open again, but not now, not today. Everything will work out how it was meant to be and right now it is your job to find that window...Smile, because you deserve to.
