When Hashem Is on Your Side: Faith That Transforms Every Challenge
Sometimes in business, in life, or in relationships, we face challenges that seem impossible. Success and failure can feel like the only measures of value. Yet, when our focus is not on ourselves but on Hashem, everything changes. This story, brought to you by Storiestoinspire.org, is a profound lesson in trust, perspective, and moral courage. It is one of those Torah wisdom stories that shows how Emunah and Bitachon give us clarity and strength in the face of adversity.
Standing Firm When the World Competes
Years ago, a Jewish businessman owned a building leased by a national retailer, Payless Shoes. A new CEO arrived from Walmart, bringing a mindset that crushed anyone who stood in the way. Without consulting the building’s owner, Payless filed a lawsuit over the lease.
The owner could have panicked. He could have tried to negotiate under pressure. Instead, he sat calmly, rooted in faith. When meeting the CEO, the conversation was striking.
“Do you understand who we are?” the CEO asked.
“One out of every six shoes sold in this country comes from us,” he answered proudly.
The CEO sneered, dismissing the statement as irrelevant. But the owner replied, “You may control numbers and power, but I have God on my side. Hashem will ensure justice is done.”
Sure enough, the lawsuit failed. Later, the CEO was replaced, and Payless continued business without further conflict.
This wasn’t luck. It was the clarity and strength that come from focusing on the One, not the zero.
Emphasizing the One, Not the Zero
The owner reflected on a deeper lesson that went beyond real estate or lawsuits. He explained that when our lives are about ourselves—our success, our control, our image—we are always competing. Every gain, every loss, every perceived slight becomes a distraction. We obsess over numbers, status, and recognition. Our minds become cloudy, frustrated, and anxious.
But when the focus shifts to Hashem, everything changes. The “One” is God; the “zero” is the self.
“Am I doing my best?” he would ask himself. That is the only question that matters. Not, Did I win? Not, Did I gain recognition? Not, Did I control outcomes? Simply, Am I doing my best in service of Hashem?
When our emphasis is on the One, we experience life differently:
-
Respect comes naturally because others sense our integrity.
-
Competing minds cannot influence us because our focus is higher.
-
Success and failure no longer define our value faith and effort do.
The Mishnah reminds us that when we act with Hashem at the center, we operate on a completely different plane. Our hearts are free from anxiety, envy, or frustration.
Living for the One
This lesson applies far beyond lawsuits or business dealings. Every challenge—personal, professional, or spiritual—is an opportunity to ask: Am I focused on myself, or am I focused on Hashem?
When the focus is on the One, doing our best becomes the measure of life. Whether a room is full or empty, whether our children succeed or struggle, whether opportunities flourish or fail, we can still say, “I have done my best.”
Life then transforms from a competition into a mission. Success and failure fade; only purpose and dedication remain.
When our minds are anchored in the One, clarity replaces confusion. Peace replaces anxiety. Every obstacle becomes a chance to strengthen faith, refine character, and serve a higher purpose.
The takeaway is simple yet profound: In moments of frustration, doubt, or stress, ask yourself, “What am I emphasizing?” If it is me, my ego, or my gains, confusion follows. If it is Hashem—the One—clarity, strength, and peace follow naturally.
Our world may compete, push, and challenge, but when we live for the One, we are untouchable. We are no longer running a race against others; we are running a mission guided by the ultimate Judge, Teacher, and Protector.
Faith, perspective, and effort when aligned with Hashem are far more powerful than any courtroom, contract, or competitor.