“Pharaoh hardened his heart” (Exodus 7:22)
God is constantly acting to fix this world and bring it to its ultimate perfection. In the end, everything will turn out exactly as He planned and willed it. Even the actions of the wicked do not affect God’s design in the slightest. The Divine blueprint is very profound and God is able to manipulate everything according to His ultimate plan.
Nevertheless, it is absolutely forbidden to violate any law of the Torah. Someone who breaks a Torah law damages all the upper worlds and causes much spiritual destruction. Still, God’s blueprint for the world remains intact and God will finish exactly as He planned. It is absolutely impossible for us to understand how this is possible, for on the one hand God is in control, while on the other hand we have freedom of choice. However, this is one of the fundamental principles that Rebbe Nachman taught us.
Accordingly, there are many things that a person can do that violate the Torah yet fulfill the desire of God. For example, Pharaoh hardened his heart and intended on harming the Jews. But each time his actions led to a greater sanctification of God’s Name. We see from here that God constantly manipulates the world to bring it to its ultimate perfection.
Likutey Halakhot, Simanei Beheimah Ve-Chayah 4
Based on this concept, Rabbi Yitzchok Breiter writes:
Understand that everything that happens to you, both spiritually and materially…comes about through God’s decree. Even if you want to accomplish something holy, if you are not yet sufficiently worthy and have not sanctified yourself enough to achieve it, Heaven arranges things in such a way that you get distracted from it. Some idea gets implanted in your mind that prevents you from carrying out the holy deed, even if you want to. This is not because, God wants to take revenge, but because of His love…
The thing to do is cry out to God about all the wrong you have done. Tell God everything. Pour out your heart to Him and plead with Him for your very life. Ask Him to help you get nearer to your holy goal. God’s way of dealing with us in this respect is one of His most amazing wonders. His understanding of us and our needs is perfect.
Seven Pillars of Faith, Pillar #1
