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In other words, many of the evils we face come not because we lack faith, but because we have it: Rabbot ra'ot tzaddik.
We tend to think of suffering as a bad thing, perhaps as a consequence for our sins. But there is another dimension to suffering - righteous suffering - which is born out of love. Righteous suffering takes on the pain of others and bears it in their place. It is patient, kind, and provides healing for that which is broken. Indeed, the righteous suffering of the tzaddikim "fills up what is lacking in Messiah's afflictions for the sake of the church"
(Col. 1:24), and manifests the resurrection life of Adonai Tzidkeinu, the Lord our Righteousness, within the heart of faith.
Despite the afflictions of the tzaddik, God has promised ultimate deliverance: umikullam yatzilenu Adonai – "the Lord will deliver him out of them all." Interestingly, the word yatzilenu comes from natzal, a verb that means to physically snatch away, suggesting the rapture of the tzaddikim just before the Great Tribulation breaks out.
While a life lived by faith, hope, and love may cause us heartache and pain, suffering is not the last word, since love will be one day be fulfilled and perfected when we are in the Presence of the Lord Himself.
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