After the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe pleads for forgiveness on behalf of the Jewish people. At the end of the dialogue between Hashem and Moshe we find an interesting verse. Hashem says "And you will see my back, but my face may not be seen". (See Rashi for an explanation.) The Chasam Sofer explains that there are many times one may want to question Hashem and his judgment when things don't seem to make sense. We are at a loss for an explanation. Only down the road we will understand that everything that transpired was part of His master plan. It may take a day, a week, a year, or even an entire lifetime until we see how things fall into place.

A classic example is thePurim story. While the story was unfolding, it would have been impossible to see the grand scheme, but in retrospect we can see how the troubling events lead to the climax. Achashveirosh has Queen Vashti executed, which seems quite strange even for Achasveirosh. Esther, a Jewish girl, is taken as the new queen. How can this be a blessing? In hindsight, these are not even questions, since we already know the outcome and can see how all the "pieces of the puzzle" fit together. Only later did the Jews realize that this was all part of Hashem's master plan to save them from the evil decree of Haman.

Knowing that every aspect of our lives is part of our unique plan from Hashem can bring us to a greater level of emunah. The words, "Youwill see my back" conveyed this message to Moshe Rabbeinu. You will look back, and only then will you understand what my agenda really was. "My face you cannot see," alludes to the present, and tells us that we will not always understand.

There is a well known mashal about the simple man who once visited the big city and passed a tailor who was occupied with fine garments for the royal household. As the villager stood in the doorway he observed the tailor spread the expensive silk fabric on the table and lift a pair of scissors to cut the material. "Stop!" cried the villager. "You're destroying the silk!" The tailor, realizing this man's lack of knowledge of the basics of tailoring explained his actions, "I am not ruining the material, rather I am fixing it, making it fit for the royal family." The Dubno Magid explains that we too are common villagers. We have to have faith in our "Master Tailor" that what may seem like destruction is in fact the creation of something much greater. He is making improvements!

 King David says in Psalms, "Hashem protects all those who love him and the wicked he will destroy." The Chafetz Chaim points out that if one were to read only the first half of the passuk it would read: "Hashem protects those who love him and the wicked". The second half of the passuk by itself reads: "Those who love him and the wicked he will destroy". Only someone who reads the entire verse from beginning to end can interpret it properly. So too, no human being can begin to understand the ways of this world. Only the Master of The Universe, who has been around from the beginning of creation and continues to exist forever, knows the reason for everything.

Having this level of faith is no easy feat. The Gemara in Brachos tells us that a person should accustom himself to say that "Everything Hashem does is for the best". Rabbi Yissochar Frand asks, what does the gemara mean it uses the word accostom? He answers that Chazal are giving us practical advice. When someone has a minor disappointment, for example, one's toast burns, or one gets stuck in traffic, he should remind himself of this Chazal. Then when faced with a bigger challenge he will be able accept it with more emunah and with simcha, for he has already imbued himself with this outlook. May we merit the day that all hardships cease to exist and we see the ultimate glory of Mashiach speedily in our days!