Faith

The Empty Pot and the Full Heart: A Story of True Faith

How a simple Jewish worker turned disappointment into joy by seeing God’s providence in every detail of life

(Photo: shutterstock)(Photo: shutterstock)
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Moshe was a man of faith, who feared Heaven, and worked tirelessly with his own hands to support his family. On a particular day, he was especially hungry. He had left for work without a proper breakfast, and the work that day was unusually difficult. All day he longed for the moment he could finally return home, where his wife — a woman of valor and skilled cook, would surely have prepared a delicious meal for him.

He counted the hours, eager to sit at the table and fill his hunger with her fine cooking.

At last, the time came. Moshe knocked at the door, but so great was his hunger that he didn’t even wait — he opened it himself. He saw his wife sitting comfortably on a chair, reading a book. He smiled with satisfaction, thinking: Of course she has already finished preparing the meal, so she has time to relax with a book.

He hurried into the kitchen, spotted a large pot on the stove, and approached it eagerly. With joy and anticipation, he lifted the lid, only to see his own reflection. The pot was empty, polished clean like a mirror.

Moshe was a man who lived with emunah (faith). Without a second’s hesitation, he lifted his eyes heavenward and said:
“Master of the Universe, I know that my hunger, my empty stomach, and the empty pot before me is from Your divine providence. I will not blame anyone, and certainly not my dear wife. I believe that today it was not destined for me to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal. I accept Your will, Lord of the world, and will make do with some bread and a cup of hot drink, nothing more. The pot may be empty of food, but I will not allow myself to be empty of faith. I will remain full of faith.”

How much joy and nachat ruach (delight) Moshe brought to his Creator in that moment. This was truly like an offering to God — he sacrificed his own will, overcame his anger and frustration, and submitted himself completely to the will of Heaven. This is the mark of a true believer.

“Strength and joy are in His place” (Divrei Hayamim I, 16:27).
Where can one truly find strength and joy? “In His place” — in the heart of the one who is connected to the Makom (the Place, i.e., God), who believes that the Holy One is the very foundation of the world and oversees every detail with precise providence. Such a person is always filled with joy. (Ner Yisrael – Ruzhin)

Tags:faithHashemhappinesstrust in the CreatorSpiritual ConnectionDivine Providence

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