22. Vayahkhel/Pekudei - HaChodesh 5777: Effort Versus Faith ~Getting Out Of G-D's Way

Trailer Link: https://www.facebook.com/TheJewishMind/videos/1729321953751263/ LiveFeed Link: To Be Posted Written Notes Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/v06dfk5r9xcnt2m/22.%20VaYakhel-Pekudei-HaChoidesh%205777%20-Effort%20vs.%20Faith%20-Getting%20Out%20of%20G-d%27s%20Way.pdf?dl=0 In this lecture, we will be exploring a fundamental conflict that people of faith deal with in their practical relationship with G-d. I am not speaking of religious people in particular, but of people of faith in a Higher Power, Who rules heaven and earth together with all that happens to them in their day-to-day lives. The paradox is that of Effort versus Faith. This question expresses itself sometimes in our confusion concerning our prayers and G-d’s answers. How often have I been asked by people if there is a time to accept that G-d is answering their prayers with a, “No?” The question is whether we are to continue with our effort of praying and to continue in our effort of working towards our goals, or whether we should consider that G-d has answered us, “No,” and that we should accept G-d’s answer. This question is such a deep one, and lay at the core of our faith in G-d and in G-d’s relationship with us. I have explored this question in a series of lectures on prayer titled, “Talking, Listening and a Two-way Conversation.” In this lecture, we will be exploring a different angel of the question of Hishtadlut (Effort) versus Emunah (Faith). Thus, this lecture is going to explore how far the necessity of our Precious Effort goes, and when it is time to get out of G-d’s way with Perfect Faith.