We previously spoke about the downside of the alchemist who worries about supplies, and the poor retailer that overstocked on salt or understocked on boots. He’s upset. On the other hand, the Baal Bitachon is not concerned. He knows Hashem will take care of him. The Hovot HaLevavot tells us how we should view G-d’s abilities:
והבוטח באלהים בטחונו חזק באלהיו שיטריף אותו כרצונו בעת שירצה ובמקום (וממקום) שירצה, כאשר יטריף העובר ברחם אמו והאפרוח
The Baal Bitachon- his trust in Hashem is so strong (he needs no materials, and never worries about under or over-ordering) Hashem will fund his livelihood according to His will, at the time He wills, and in the place He wills; just as He nourishes the embryo inside the mother.
This is an amazing, awesome Mashal (It may be my favorite). We have all been there!! As Rabbi Miller says, once upon a time we were all lying in a hospital with doctors and nurses bustling about, worrying over us- People wonder, “When was this? I was never in a hospital!” The Rabbi is referring to the day we were born. Everyone was caring for us and we were completely oblivious!
Well, who was caring for us for nine months?
People worry about how they can get word out about their new business. They worry that they can’t afford advertising, but then suddenly they bump into someone and their company takes off!
Rabbi Biderman tells a classic story about this. There was locksmith who had moved to new neighborhood and couldn’t find a job. He had been out work for a month when someone called him one day, saying they’d found his wallet. He was confused because his wallet wasn’t missing. The man insisted he’d found it and said he’d come by to return it when he was in the neighborhood. Shortly thereafter the man showed up with what turned out to be an old wallet that the locksmith had given his little son, filled with old, expired credit cards and business cards. The locksmith laughed and explained. The finder noticed the business cards and asked if he was indeed a locksmith. It turned out that this finder of the wallet was in construction and needed a locksmith. He set him up in business.
So: back to the womb: How are you getting fed? No one knows you’re there. Even a hungry guy on a bench can get fed- at least people see him.
Who’s taking care of you in the womb? Wonder of wonders, G-d takes care of the embryo in the womb. How does this work? We can spend days on the topic. He can’t eat with his mouth, he can’t breath - his lungs don’t work.
He needs food, oxygen and the perfect temperature.
The answer is an unbelievable concept. The mother’s blood has oxygen and nutrients and they get passed through to him. He gets the purest, best food, he gets air, everything! He doesn’t have to do anything. He gets everything.
I once had a great idea, inspired by G-d actually. When people’s lungs aren’t working, when they are are לא עלינו, , on heart and lung machines, why can’t they just get pre-oxygenated blood pumped straight in? Or if someone’s digestive system isn’t working, why can’t they pump nutrient-rich blood straight in?
Obviously modern science can’t do it yet. But G-d can. He can do anything. He does that for us in the womb.
The Hovot HaLevavot says Hey, you were in trouble once and Hashem sent food through your mother’s bloodstream. You’re worried now?
Think about it.