Is This Fair?

Answer

Moses asked G-d the same question. He wanted to see the hand of G-d in everything, and understand

G-d's mysterious ways. And the answer he received was just as mysterious.

G-d said: "You can see My back, but you can't see My face."

G-d doesn't have a back or a face. The deeper meaning is that we can only see G-d in hindsight. We can't see His face right in front of us when stuff happens. But we can see His back when we later reflect on what happened.

We all go through difficult experiences and painful episodes in life. While they are happening, we wonder where G-d is and why we have to go through this. In a crisis, we have no explanations, only confusion and heartache.

We can't see G-d's face - we don't know why things happen as they happen. At the time, it is not easy to stay positive and keep your equilibrium. But it is precisely in those tough moments that our faith kicks in. We have no answers and we don't enjoy pain. But faith means holding tight, knowing that there is a purpose in every challenge and meaning in even the

hardest times. Even when we can't see G-d's face, we know He is there.

Our life experience testifies to this truth. Look back at the hard times and you'll see that every fall taught a lesson, every pain opened a new insight, and every curse brought a blessing. When we thought we were being pushed away, we were just being invited to go deeper and come closer.

The answers may come in days, years, or maybe only after this lifetime. Until then, just keep on telling yourself, the story isn't over yet. I'm still in the middle. I can't see G-d's face. But one day I will see His back, and realise that he had mine all along.