The Guest Who Trusted

Rav Elimelech Biderman has told this story. The Alter of Novardok once set out on a journey and arrived late at night in a town where he knew no one. As was his way, he trusted in Hashem and had made no preparations, not even for a place to sleep.

He went to the local bais medrash, confident that Hashem would arrange things in the best way. As he learned, the bais medrash slowly emptied until everyone had gone and only Rav Yosef Yoizel remained, learning without a care. It did not trouble him that no one had noticed him or invited him anywhere.

Meanwhile one of the wealthy baalei batim was tossing in his comfortable bed, unable to sleep. He got dressed and went to the bais medrash, where he found the Novardoker swaying gently to the sweet song of the Gemara. He realized that this visiting Rav must have nowhere to stay, or he would not be there alone so late. He invited him home, and as they walked he asked how he could travel with no arrangements at all.

"I trusted in Hashem to take care of all my needs," the Alter answered in his easy way, "and you see, He has." The baal habus laughed and said, "And what would you have done if I had not happened to be awake? You would have slept alone on the benches." He did not realize that his words made the Alter smile.

Rav Biderman added that the baal habus missed the point. It was Hashem who kept him from sleeping that night so that he would go and invite the Alter. The Alter's bitachon was not wasted, since Hashem always took care of his needs.