Why Life’s Hardships Mean You’re Stronger Than You Think

If you walk into a room and see two chess players sitting in front of a chessboard, but the game hasn’t started yet, can you tell which one is more skilled? Of course not.

What if you see one person on one side of the board, and three people facing him on the other side? You’d likely assume that the lone player is stronger than any of the three, because otherwise, no one would pit three players against him.

Now imagine one person facing ten chessboards, each with one to ten players sitting across from him? Even before the game begins, you already know that the one sitting alone, facing all those opponents, must be the top player in the room.

What does this mean? The more challenges you face, it’s a sign, even before you take your first step, of how special and extraordinary you are. If those challenges aren't only intellectual or logical ones like in chess, but also emotional, practical, or spiritual challenges? Wow! You must be a true champion.

Whoever placed those boards in front of you clearly believes in you far more than you believe in yourself.

If G-d Himself placed these challenges before you, it means He’s telling you: “I believe in your strength, and I know you’re capable. All that’s left is for you to say ‘Amen.’”

Trust in G-d. Know that He understands what you can handle and what your real strengths are. From here on, all that’s left for you to do, is to win. Not just on one front, but on every front.