Daily Chizuk #1152

In parashat Shelach, the meraglim gave a negative report of Eretz Yisrael and caused the entire nation to have to wait forty years to enter the Land of Israel. The midrash quotes Hashem as saying, I told them the Land is good, but they did not trust Me. One example was, when the meraglim saw numerous funerals taking place there, they reported it is an ארץ אוכלת יושביה – a land that eats its inhabitants. In truth, however, Hashem arranged the funerals to take place at that time so the people would be too preoccupied burying their dead and not notice the spies. Hashem said, אני חשבתי לטובה – I planned it for your benefit – ואתם חשבתם לרעה – but you are the ones who looked at it negatively.
Our purpose in this world is to pass our tests. Everyone is tested based on what they came into the world to accomplish. Sometimes it may look like Hashem is trying to push someone away from serving Him, but in those instances, the person must ingrain in his head אני חשבתיה לטובה – Hashem is acting for his benefit. If he overcomes the test, he will rise to great heights.
The distractions and tests are only there to lift us up. Hashem tells us אני חשבתיה לטובה. If we accept it that way, we will be able to lift all of our avodah to much higher levels.
Shabbat Shalom.