Parnassah vs. Growth: When God Carries You and When You Walk Alone

When it comes to your finances, your health, or even finding a spouse, God might just save you. But when it comes to your character? That’s on you.

Here’s How It Works

In areas like parnassah, marriage, or health, you can try your best, but often the outcome feels totally out of your control. You make a minimal effort: Hashem does the rest. You show up, put in your hishtadlus, and the miracle happens. Sometimes from the most unexpected places.

A guy once called, out of the blue. Fifteen years earlier, I’d helped his son. Now, he wanted to send me a high-value case, said I was the only one he trusted. That’s how God works when it comes to parnassah. You plant seeds, and the blessing comes from a direction you never imagined.

But Spiritual Growth Is Different

When it comes to your soul, your speech, your eyes, your anger: God doesn’t save you. He helps you. But only if you start the fight.

The Gemara says: “Without Hashem’s help, you can’t defeat the yetzer hara.” But the help comes only after your own effort. That’s the deal when it comes to growth. To holiness. To real transformation.

In matters of parnassah, Hashem might carry you entirely. In matters of ruchniyus, you have to carry yourself first and then He meets you there.

The Struggle Is Holy

We all have things we’re working on. Lashon hara. Jealousy. Patience. Modesty. Judging favorably. Saying the right thing or knowing when to say nothing.

And in these spiritual battles, there’s no magical rescue. No sudden phone call with an easy fix. Just daily work, tiny wins, and Hashem’s help once you’ve started moving.

Final Word:

You Fight. He Helps. God saves you when you can’t. But He helps you when you won’t.

So go ahead. Start the fight.