Coping With Life’s Challenges: When Faith Is Tested

In this article, we explore how to approach the events of daily life through the lens of faith. The goal is not to deny difficulty, but to learn how to recognize Hashem’s guidance and love even when circumstances are challenging.

Judging Others With Kindness

The Torah commands us to judge others fairly, as it says, “In righteousness you shall judge your fellow” (Leviticus 19:15). According to Jewish law, when a person is generally righteous, we are obligated to judge their actions favorably. Even if we see something that appears wrong, we are meant to look for a positive explanation.

This way of thinking takes practice. We must train ourselves to respond with understanding rather than suspicion. Over time, this habit helps us release harsh judgments and develop a more generous view of others.

Judging Hashem With Even Greater Trust

If we are required to judge people favorably, how much more so should we judge Hashem’s actions with trust. The Torah describes Hashem as perfectly just and deeply loving. “A faithful God who does no wrong, righteous and upright is He” (Deuteronomy 32:4). “Hashem is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds” (Psalms 145:17).

When a person learns to see Hashem’s actions not only as just, but as loving, life becomes calmer and more meaningful. This means relating to Hashem not only as our King, but also as our Father.

Seeing Love in Life’s Challenges

Below are several common life situations and how they can be understood through this perspective of faith and love.

When a Car Accident Happens

If a person is involved in a car accident and their vehicle is destroyed, but they themselves walk away unharmed, there are two possible responses. One can focus on the financial loss and feel upset, or one can recognize the kindness present in the outcome.

Money was lost, but life and health were preserved. Seen this way, the loss becomes a form of atonement that protected the body and soul. Recognizing Hashem’s care in such a moment can bring gratitude and inner peace, even in difficulty.

Poverty and Financial Struggle

Financial hardship is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face. When money is scarce, it is easy to feel discouraged or distant. Remembering that Hashem is a loving Father changes the perspective.

Just as a caring parent sometimes allows discomfort for a child’s long-term benefit, Hashem may withhold financial ease to protect a person from greater harm. Our sages teach that poverty carries deep spiritual refinement and is among the most demanding forms of trial.

When a job opportunity does not work out, instead of despairing, one can say: Hashem knows what is truly good for me. Perhaps this position was not meant to be part of my path.

Physical Pain and Illness

When a person experiences physical suffering, faith teaches that the body is not our true essence. The soul is our inner self, and sometimes the body endures difficulty in order to protect or elevate the soul.

This suffering is not cold or distant. It comes with compassion, like a parent who feels pain alongside a child. Though difficult, it brings lasting spiritual benefit.

When a Relationship or Engagement Ends

When a promising relationship or engagement comes to an end, the pain can feel overwhelming. Seeing Hashem as loving and all-knowing allows one to trust that if this path had truly been right, it would not have been blocked.

What feels like a loss may actually be protection or preparation for something better. For those whose marriage is delayed, faith teaches that Hashem finds value in their present state and that this time serves a purpose in their personal growth.

If a person has made sincere efforts to find a partner and remains single, they can trust that this situation, difficult as it is, is part of Hashem’s plan and not a personal failure.

Suffering Even While Serving Hashem

The Talmud teaches that suffering can be an expression of love from Hashem, even when it interferes with Torah study and prayer. “Hashem rebukes the one He loves, like a father the son he cherishes” (Proverbs 3:12).

It is natural to wonder why difficulty comes when one wishes only to serve Hashem. While it is appropriate to pray for ease and peace, it is not right to accuse or resent. Hashem desires our eternal good more than we ever could.

Suffering That Protects

Our sages teach that certain forms of hardship protect a person from much greater spiritual harm. In the future, people will clearly see how difficulties they once questioned were acts of kindness.

The Talmud describes some individuals as “like the dead” because of intense suffering, such as the impoverished or the ill. Yet Hashem is described as sharing their pain, comforting them like a parent comforts a child.

A Teaching From the Chafetz Chaim

The Chafetz Chaim offered a powerful illustration. Imagine a soul that once lived with wealth and beauty but failed spiritually. When given another chance in this world, the soul asks to return under different conditions to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Out of compassion, Hashem sends the soul back with limitations that protect it from falling again.

Yet once born, the person forgets this and resents their circumstances, unaware that these very challenges are what allow them to succeed.

Seeing Our Lives With Compassion

Each person should view their circumstances in this way, recognizing that they come from Hashem’s deep love and desire for their growth. Even in pain, Hashem is close, sharing in our struggle and giving strength to endure.

Loving Others as Hashem Loves Us

Recognizing Hashem’s boundless love for every Jew obligates us to love one another. Our sages teach that Hashem asks only that we love, honor, and respect each other.

If Hashem loves every Jew without distinction, how can we justify hatred or division? One day, when His love becomes fully clear, such divisions will be revealed as empty and false.

This awareness calls us to kindness, prayer for others, and removing resentment from our hearts.

One People With One Destiny

The Jewish people are described as one nation, responsible for one another. When unity exists, the mitzvot of one uplift all. Without love and unity, this shared responsibility cannot fully function.

The prophets describe a future filled with peace, clarity, and knowledge of Hashem. Preparing for that future means living now with love, unity, and compassion.

Soon, Hashem’s immense love for every Jew will be revealed openly. May we be ready for that moment, standing together in peace and friendship.

This article is adapted from the book 'Living with Faith' by Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi.