A few years ago I had a toothache that persisted for several days and nights. It was so intense that, at times, I found I was unable to pray for myself. The only thing that gave me relief was drinking cold water, which seemed to dull the pain for several seconds—enough to give me momentary respite.
One night the pain seemed greater than ever, and I wasn't making any progress in healing it through prayer. Unable to sit still, I went for a walk. As I walked I found myself almost arguing with God: What did I need to know to heal this? If God is All, how could even the belief of suffering exist? How could suffering have gotten a start?
The more I sincerely faced up to these very basic questions about existence instead of avoiding them, the more spiritual inspiration and calm reasoning took over and began providing me with answers.
