The Test of Faith: I'm Hungry. Why is the Pot Empty?

Moshe, a God-fearing man, a man of faith, a hardworking man striving to earn his livelihood with arduous and challenging labor, was especially hungry that day because he had left for work without a proper breakfast, and that day's work was particularly tough. Moshe longed and anticipated when he would finally arrive home, knowing that at home, a virtuous woman with remarkable culinary skills would be waiting for him with delicious and enjoyable food.

Moshe counted the hours until he could reach home and fill his hunger with his wife's exquisite dishes.

The time arrived, Moshe knocked on the door, opened it himself in his great hunger without waiting for it to be opened for him. He saw his wife sitting on the couch reading a book, pleased with his diligent wife who had already cooked and prepared everything adequately and still had time to read...

He entered the kitchen, saw a large pot on the stove, eagerly approached to open the pot's lid to see its delightful contents, and what did he see... his own face and nothing more... a clean and shiny pot like a mirror...

But Moshe, a Jew working on his faith, immediately raised his eyes to the heavens and said: Master of the Universe, I know that this situation in which I am now, without lunch and with terrible hunger, is your providence. I do not blame anyone, certainly not my dear wife. I believe that today I am not meant to eat a rich and pleasurable meal, and I honor your will, Master of the Universe, and I will be content with bread and a hot drink, nothing more... the pot was empty of food, said Moshe, but I will not allow myself to be empty of faith. I will remain full of faith...

And so we observe,

how much satisfaction Moshe gave to his Creator, did he not now offer a sacrifice of pleasant aroma to Hashem, sacrificing his desire, conquering his anger and wrath, and truly submitting to Hashem's will, this is a truly believing Jew...

* * *

"Strength and joy are in His place" (Chronicles I 16:27). Who can we find "strength and joy" with, which is the attribute of happiness?

"In His place" with a person who is connected to the Source of the world, and believes that the Holy One, blessed be He, is the Source of the world and oversees everything individually, this person always dwells in happiness. (Ner Yisrael - Ruzhin)

The article is from the book "Living in Faith." To purchase Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi's book click here.