There is an interesting Midrash Tanchuma (Lech lecha 3) that says that the Nisayon (test) that Avraham Avinu had to go to Eretz Yisrael was equal to the Nisayon of Akeidas Yitzchak- bringing Yitzchak as a Korbon. The Midrash writes that we learn this from the fact that by both tests the Passuk uses the same words 'Lech Lecha', at the beginning of the Parsha and by the Akeida.
The question is obvious. The test of going to Eretz Yisrael was definitely not as difficult as the test of the Akeida. Hashem told Avraham Avinu to go to Eretz Yisrael and there he will become famous, wealthy and have children. How could that compare to a test of sacrificing an only child?
The answer can be explained with the following Gemara (Chagiga 5:). Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya would challenge those that didn't believe in Hashem and prove them wrong. Just before he died he became sick. His contemporaries were worried and asked him what will happen if he dies? Who will battle against the non believers?
Rabbi Yehoshua answered them with a Passuk (Yermiyahu 49-7) that says, Hashem said, is there no more wisdom in the South? The advice is lost from the sons, their wisdom has become spoilt. The Gemara explains since the counsel is lost from the sons i.e. Klal Yisrael, therefore, the wisdom of the other Nations got spoilt.
The Gemara is teaching us a very important message. Let us explain. The Gemara (Sukkah 52.) Says that the greater the person, the greater their Yetzer Hara, the greater the challenges.
Now, does that mean that the sinner gains because he only has an easy Yetzer Hara?
Furthermore, the Passuk (Tehillim 11-5) says that Hashem tests the Tzaddik. Doesn't Hashem test everyone?
The answer is that each person is tested on the level they are holding, on the level they are cable of succeeding their test and becoming a Tzaddik for fulfilling their task.
The purpose of our Nisyonos and challenges is not for us to fail, it is in order for us to succeed and grow spiritually. Therefore any test or Yetzer Hara a person encounters is something they are capable of succeeding.
By Rabbi Dovid Caro
