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Tests demand from us more strength or abilities than we think we have. Through a test we have the ability to go beyond what our rational mind limits us to.
In Hebrew the word for test is ‘nesayon’ and the word for miracle is ‘nes’. Tests and miracles are closely related. A miracle is when G-d breaks out of His standard pattern of natural law and demonstrates unlimited powers. A test is when G-d invites you to do the same.
In the human experience we cannot escape the fact that we will be challenged both from without and within. These conditions pose a big challenge to our moral and spiritual development. But our biggest challenge and struggle is also our biggest asset. For when we indeed overcome challenges through toil, this triumph introduces us to a new and higher level of existence.
The following story illustrates this point.
A man once visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe and confided, “I have a problem. I’ve started to become more Torah observant, but I have a girlfriend who isn’t Jewish and I plan to marry her.” The man braced himself for some kind of rebuke. The Rebbe’s response took the man by total surprise. “I envy you,” the Rebbe said.
“The tests you face are ladders that elevate you to great heights. There are many ladders in life. The ladders present themselves as life’s challenges and difficult choices. The test you face is the ladders that elevate you to great heights; the greater the challenge the greater the ladder. G-d has given you this difficult test because He believes you can overcome it and has endowed you with the ability to do so. Very few are presented with a ladder as challenging as yours. Don’t you see, then, why I envy you?”