Daily Chizuk #1263

Every moment in this world provides endless opportunities for us to achieve great heights. Unfortunately, it may happen that people who were once on a high level in avodat Hashem suddenly lose steam and no longer have the drive to continue on that path. How could that happen? How could they turn away from all the golden opportunities that they were presented with? One way for that to happen is when a person wanted something very badly, crying day and night to Hashem to give it to him. And then after weeks and months of heartfelt tefilot and still no progress, the person might have felt somewhat betrayed. He said to himself, "It was so easy for Hashem to give this to me. Why couldn't He just help me?" Sometimes what he was asking for was something he felt would bring him closer to Hashem. And when he didn't get it, he thought, all I'm trying to do is grow in religion and get closer to Hashem and He's stopping me from doing it. If so, I might as well stop trying.
Every moment of life provides different opportunities for growth. When we get what we ask for, we cry tears of thanks and praise, thanking Hashem for His endless kindness. And when we don't get what we ask for, that is when we could soar to great heights by continuing to grow and pray, even though our inclination is telling us to go the other way. If we could cling to Hashem and hold on very tight during those times, we'll truly be fulfilling a part of our life's mission here.