Why Life’s Challenges Are the Key to Abundance

G-d initially began creating the world with strict justice (Midat HaDin), but saw that such a world would not endure, and so He preceded and combined the attribute of mercy (Midat HaRachamim) as explained in Orach L’Chaim on Parashat Bereishit.

Judgment follows precise rules, laws, and fairness according to strict standards. It says: if you deserve it, you’ll receive but if you don’t, you won’t. 

Human beings, however, were created with the attribute of chesed, which is the opposite of judgment. Chesed is infinite giving, without calculations of worthiness. It goes “beyond the letter of the law” and does not operate with boundaries or rules.

G-d treats humanity with chesed. We don’t inherently deserve anything and we must therefore constantly express gratitude for everything we receive, even each breath: “Every soul shall praise G-d” (Tehillim).

One of life’s greatest challenges is that we desire constant and stable blessings of health, livelihood, children, a home, and so on. However, divine abundance is not always constant or predictable. Even when we receive what we pray for, we never feel it’s permanent or guaranteed in the future.

We all know how quickly life can change and this uncertainty steals our peace and joy.

Chesed and Din: A Built-in Conflict

We must understand that chesed and din (mercy and judgment) are opposing forces that create inner conflict. The ongoing difficulty we live with stems from the fact that the world is governed with din, but we expect life to run on chesed.

Midat HaDin comes before G-d and “prosecutes” the human being. It argues: “This is illogical. You created the world with justice—how can You treat humans with limitless mercy? These are contradictory systems!” And so it seeks to withhold the blessings and kindness that G-d wishes to give.

Din claims: “People don’t deserve constant blessings. Yes, they do mitzvot, but they also sin. Their behavior is inconsistent. If they don’t consistently fulfill G-d’s will, why should they receive consistent blessing?”

This claim isn’t entirely wrong, but G-d is merciful and wants to bless us beyond the strict letter of the law.

The Role of Trials and Challenges

G-d, who examines hearts and minds, proposes to din that He send a nisayon (test) to the person. This shuts the mouth of din, preventing further accusations, and gives the person a chance to prove loyalty, so that G-d can bestow lasting blessings.

G-d never sends a test a person can’t overcome. The tools and inner strength needed to succeed are already embedded within the person. If G-d gave you a test, it’s a sign that He knows you can overcome it.

When a person passes their test, they silence din. Heaven pours out blessing, and din itself “signs off” on the mercy and abundance. The blessings now come by right, not only by grace. The person earns the right to receive lasting, stable good.

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Should I Ask G-d to Remove My Challenges?

Some may ask: “Should I pray that G-d take away my test? I’m not sure I can handle it anymore.” The answer is clear: if the test is removed, the blessings that were waiting for you—approved by din—may never arrive. You’d miss out on the salvation you long for, and that would be a tragic loss.

Only after Midat HaDin agrees, can the blessing descend securely and uninterrupted. No one can challenge it, because it’s no longer kindness, it’s justice.

This is the reason difficulties and tests exist in our lives.

There Is No Life Without Struggle

Just as no life exists without blessings, there is no human life without challenges. Suffering often presents when we resist reality. We suffer because we argue with our circumstances.

When we find meaning in our struggle however, and we see the pain as a tool to receive higher, lasting blessings, we can accept it more peacefully. The suffering is not random, but it is purposeful and it locks in our blessings with divine authorization.

When we understand this, we draw strength from knowing that pain is the vessel for abundance. Without it, there is no stable good. Who would want to miss out on that?

Struggles Are a Path to Permanent Blessing

Difficulty and pain are valuable tools to receive blessing. They pay off and deliver lasting, stable divine abundance, with a “stamp” of approval from Midat HaDin.

This new perspective gives us deep strength and opens the channels for great blessing. If you desire consistent divine abundance, this implies that you are willing to go through challenges and tests.

G-d will never test you beyond your capacity. He is always with you, beside you, and within you. Through it all, you’ll discover inner powers you never dreamed you had.