How to Get Others, Even G-d, to Help You

Written by Kevin S. Bemel

Wednesday, 24 January 2018 03:30

Is Your Faith in a Successful Job-Hunt Unshakable?

2-½ minutes to read

Parsha [Passage of Scripture] Nugget [Precious Idea] Beshalach - Exodus13:17-17:16

Not all the redeployers coming through Sembach are looking forward to going home. Some like the fast op tempo on deployment. Others face divorces and other personal turmoil. But most dread returning to a job they hate or no job at all…

A Passionate Bad Decision Is Better than Indecision

Deployment provides a sharp contrast for those with private sector employment problems. Working as much as 16 hours a day, seven days a week takes commitment. They lived their purpose and had a mission while deployed. But they have no comparable commitment to their civilian job.

For those without a job, often their search is lackluster. They don't know what they want to do. They don't understand the job-hunt process. When you don't feel it, how do you project confidence?

Having left Egypt, the Children of Israel faced a similar problem at the Reed Sea. (The usual translation, “Red Sea,” is incorrect.) Caught between the horror of Egyptian slavery and an unknown existence in the desert, they faltered. Parshas Beshalach picks up the narrative:

“Moses stretched out his hand over the sea . . .” (Shemos/Exodus 14:21)

The Israelites saw no way across the Reed Sea. Pharaoh had changed his mind about letting them go. He gathered his chariots and chased after them. With nowhere to run, G-d split the sea for the Children of Israel. At least that’s how it worked in the movie.

When Moses stretched out his hand over the water, a tsunami-like wind blew from the east. Moses may have caused the water to split and the wind dried the seabed. Or the wind caused the water to split so the miracle would not be obvious.

Whichever is the case, the Torah alludes to an act of deep faith. Nachshon ben Aminadav, leader of the kingly tribe of Judah, plunged into the water. He kept walking forward until it reached his neck. Only when Nachshon was in so deep he would drown did the Almighty split the waters.

Nachshon believed, indeed knew, G-d would save the Israelites. With the Egyptians intent on destroying them, only one direction remained. Forward into the unknown, Nachshon trusted G-d would fulfill his promise of salvation.

Bust a Gut for Yourself and People Will Help You

When you can take a familiar path, but you know it’s wrong, reject it out of hand. Although it challenges your faith, commit to moving forward in a new direction. G-d will show you the way through unknown territory.

Your action must precede the Almighty’s help. He knows what’s best for you. But growth isn’t pain-free.

1. First, plumb the depths of your soul. What will give your life meaning?
2. Next, decide on the direction your life will take.
3. Finally, dedicate yourself to it.

Your commitment will inspire people to help you. They’ll fill in the blanks of your knowledge. Time and again I’ve seen it. When you hit a dead end, someone will open a door that lets you move forward.

Resist the temptation to pray for a smooth ride over the rough road of life. Move straight and tall into uncharted territory. When you commit heart and soul, G-d’s help will appear.

Have you committed 100% to your job or job-hunt?

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Every year beginning on Simchas Torah, the cycle of reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ends and begins again. Each Sabbath a portion known as a sedra or parsha is read. It is named after the first significant word or two with which this weekly reading begins.