Bitachon in Times of Suffering:
Rav Mordechai Pogramansky zt”l (Sefer Gadlus Mordechai) asks: At that time, Yosef was suffering greatly. He had just been sold as a slave. He was being sent away from his home and did not know if he ever see his father again. What difference did it make if he was surrounded by a good or bad smell? Did he really care about that now?
He answers that this can be compared to a sick person who is forced to undergo a difficult surgery. After the operation is completed, his family stands around his bedside, waiting for him to wake up. When he opens his eyes, they are filled with joy. Even though he has not fully healed yet, the mere fact that he woke up is a sign that he stands a good chance of getting better.
Obviously, Yosef was still in a very painful situation. However, he was now given a sign of hope. When he saw that Hashem was still looking out for him, and even making sure that he didn’t have to endure a bad smell, he was encouraged to strengthen his bitachon that the salvation would soon come.
This is how every person should approach a time of suffering. One should look around and take note of the small signs that Hashem is still with him. Once one sees that, he will be able to increase his bitachon that he will send the yeshua.
This is how tzadikim are rewarded in this world. They are given the ability to see Hashem’s hashgacha pratis, which helps them strengthen their bitachon and continue to serve Him. Their real reward will only be received in Olam Haba. The small reward that they receive in this world is the ability to see how He is with them and how He takes care of them, which helps them continue to serve Him.
