IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

We hear stories all the time of people who experienced difficult problems which were solved as a result of their emunah and prayers. We have heard of people facing financial distress who relied on Hashem and He came through for them. We have heard of ill patients whose doctors despaired, but were miraculously cured. We have heard stories of childless couples who suddenly had a child after years of waiting and unsuccessful treatments.

These are all powerful stories that can strengthen our emunah. Each such story that one hears reinforces his faith and reminds him that he, too, can be saved from whatever troubles he faces, no matter how hopeless the situation seems. These stories make us think, "If a person can finally find a zivug after so many years, then I, too, can find my zivug"; "If Hashem gave that couple a child after twelve years, then I, too, can still be blessed with a child." The more stories we hear, the more hope we have, recognizing that ישועת ה' כהרף עין, Hashem's salvation can arrive in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, however, there is also a danger in hearing so many stories with beautiful, happy endings. One who hears so many stories might feel resentful and begin wondering, "Why doesn't this ever happen to me? I relied on Hashem for help, and I was let down. I thought I prayed so hard, but I didn't see any results." Such thoughts can cause people to lose emunah and lose hope. We must remember that Hashem is the source of all kindness, and everything He does is kind, regardless of whether or not we recognize how. He listens to every word of prayer we recite, and He knows every feeling we experience in our hearts and every thought that passes through our minds. Even when we do not see the results we were hoping for, this, too, is a manifestation of Hashem's kindness.

When a person responds with emunah when he did not receive what he wanted despite relying on Hashem, this is one of the greatest acts of service to Hashem that one can perform. The holy books describe the towering spiritual heights that one reaches when he says, "I don't know why this is happening, but I know Hashem loves me, and I will continue to believe and draw closer to Him." Such people attain greatness, and the entire world rests of their shoulders. And every time they reinforce their emunah, they grow to even greater heights. If a person was praying for a long time but still did not get the help he asked for, and he is ready to despair, his next prayer to Hashem is so much greater than any other tefillot he has recited. And if even then he does not see the desired results, his next prayer is an even greater spiritual accomplishment.