Paths of Faith: Your Problem Is Your Salvation!

Sometimes a person suffers from a certain problem and thinks: "Why did Hashem do this to me? How will I find my match like this? Who will accept me with this issue for a job?" But he must remember that even what seems bad and delaying to him is all done by guidance from above – and your 'problem' is your salvation!

Rabbi Gershon Monk from Bnei Brak shared the following amazing story that happened at the home of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, of blessed memory:

A wonderful yeshiva student with exemplary character and fear of Heaven had one issue – a large scar covering a significant area of his face. As he reached the age of shidduchim, he began searching for the match destined for him from above. On his first date, the girl was impressed by his character, but the large scar discouraged her from thinking he could be her partner, and she regrettably decided not to continue.

The yeshiva student went on several more dates; while all acknowledged his special nature, they refused to continue meeting him.

With a broken heart, the young man went to the house on Rashbam Street 23 in Bnei Brak, the home of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, to tell the Rabbi about his situation, seeking advice, and even a blessing for a match. He entered Rabbi Kanievsky’s home and shared his whole story.

Rabbi Kanievsky looked at him and said: "On your next date, tell the girl at the start of the meeting how you got this scar."

That week, he was set up with another girl. They sat down and began to talk.

After exchanging greetings, the young man faced the girl and said: "Before we start talking, I want to tell you about the large scar you see on my face, and forgive me for bringing it up, but this is what Rabbi Kanievsky instructed me to do."

The girl was surprised but listened: "It happened many years ago, as I walked the streets of Jerusalem late at night. Suddenly, I heard screams from an alleyway. I ran to see what was happening and saw a girl running, pursued by an Arab youth seeking to harm her.

I immediately chased after him while the girl ran for her life in tears... Finally, in an alley, I managed to catch the Arab youth and knock him to the ground.

A struggle ensued, and during the confrontation, he pulled out a sharp object and left a big cut on my face. This scar is the memory of that night..."

The young man saw the girl was deeply moved and began to cry.

Embarrassed, he asked why she was crying, and she said: "I was that girl! All my life, I wanted to know who that guy was, to thank him for saving my life. Now I see Hashem's providence, who sent you to meet me."

In the month of Adar in the year 5771, the happy couple set their wedding date.

The Sages say that since the creation of the world, Hashem has been making matches according to perfect compatibility and at the best time. Sometimes a person thinks: "Who would want me with such a scar? Who will marry me at this age? Why did Hashem give me this issue that ruins my match or livelihood?" And a person doesn't realize that everything Hashem does is with kindness and mercy, and it is precisely because of this scar, and this problem, that he will be saved.

When Hashem wants to give a person or the world something good, it only comes from hidden ways, so first comes the pain.

There are no mistakes with Hashem! Even what seems to us a disaster, a wound, or a trouble that will accompany us throughout life and 'hold us back', might turn into our gateway to salvation. It is as if Hashem is saying: "My dear son, my dear daughter, you do not see the full picture, it's true that you do not understand why this trouble has come upon you - but it is for your own benefit! Precisely because of this scar, your future partner will desire you, and precisely because of your problem and your age you will receive the best that you need to receive! Because your hardships are the gift that will provide you with your special match, the most suitable job for you!"

Remember there is no evil from Hashem - it is all mercy and a gift from heaven, even when we don’t understand! A person should not complain: "Why was I born this way?" Remember "His mercy on all His creations" - all that Hashem gives is full of mercy and goodness, and the trouble and the test you have are the treasures Hashem gave you to grant you the good!

A woman told me that her husband is not very good at concentrating for long periods, but he has a lot of energy, and thanks to this, he excels in his work as a public servant, helping thousands of people to engage and do a lot of good. How could he do all that without his boundless energy? So, in essence, his flaw is an incredible asset to those around him and to everyone who benefits from his services.

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