The Test of Faith: Even a Cup of Tea is Supervised

I remember an incident from the past, when I was a young student regularly praying at a synagogue in Jerusalem. After the Shacharit prayer, it was customary for the sexton to serve a cup of tea to the worshippers.

One of the worshippers told me, 'Observe divine providence, I alone do not receive a cup of tea after the prayer!'

I told him, 'That can't be, the sexton distributes tea to everyone, why would he not serve you unless there's some quarrel between you two...

The man said to me, 'I'm not in any quarrel with him; we have never exchanged harsh words. Just observe what happens for yourself.'

I watched, and indeed, what I saw was that the sexton prepared a specific number of tea cups, as the regular attendees were usually of a fixed number. He would start his rounds from the right with a tray full of about 12 cups, and this man sat at position 13, so he didn't receive tea. On a second round, when the sexton completed the distribution for those who missed the first round, he would fill 8 cups, and starting from the left, this man would sit at position 9 and yet again wouldn't receive...!

Without the sexton's notice, this man day after day did not receive a cup of tea. Behold, even a cup of tea, whether you will receive it or not, is under divine supervision!

I also recall an incident at home when I had a cup of tea in hand, ready to bless it and drink, surely what could prevent me from drinking it? Yet, as divine decree decides, my daughter, while playing, accidentally knocked the cup from my hand and broke it. So, when it's decreed from above that a cup of tea isn't meant for you, even if you have it in your hand and at home, you might not be able to drink it.

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Strength and conviction are qualities without which no one would raise their hand for anything in holiness. This is the work of the evil inclination, to weaken a person's resolve, causing self-doubt. With children's demands, a spouse, livelihood, and countless troubles, it may seem impossible to serve Hashem. But these are only tests that one must overcome. If one strengthens their conviction and dismisses these distractions, dedicating themselves to the Holy One, blessed be He, acknowledging that this is their purpose, then the honor of the Blessed Holy One is elevated. Consequently, all trials vanish, and the Holy One tells the ministering angels, 'Look at the creation I have made in my world, a Jew broken with worldly troubles and trials from all sides, yet he strengthens himself with such conviction.' (Shomer Emunim)

This article is taken from the book "Living in Faith". To purchase the book by Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi click here.