Passing Tests

In Moshe’s final address, he reminds the long forty year journey that they took in the desert. He tells them that the reason for this long journey was למען ענותך לנסותך, “in order to afflict you and to test you.”

The test was meant to determine if they will accept the observance of the commandments or not. They were afflicted in that they had no food and were hungry, but Hashem took care of their needs by feeding them the Manna, and by protecting them.

We have here the idea that life is filled with tests. We go through many difficulties in the course of a lifetime. It primarily focuses on our health and in our ability to sustain ourselves. It also involves dealing with difficult individuals who might wish to harm us.

On a national level, we are also confronted with enemies from within and from without. We must learn to overcome the various challenges and pass the tests placed before us.

The Rabbis addressed the subject of tests and made a few interesting points. Hashem only tests the individuals that he loves, because these tests are meant to bring these individuals closer to Him.

He only presents tests that He knows the individual can handle, despite the difficulty. They are to be viewed as יסורין של אהבה, “sufferings of love.”

Sometimes we don’t learn our lessons the easy way. It is only after we go through a very serious issue, where we wake up and learn to appreciate what we have, and get our priorities.

The Rabbis of the Talmud said clearly that they would have preferred not to have to go through suffering. But they also understood, based on Moshe’s instructions, that such tests were ultimately good and strengthening. We should pray that we avoid being confronted with such “Yisurim,” but if they come, we will confront the challenge with faith and dignity.