Moshe is frustrated. Hashem told him to go to Pharoh and demand the release of the Jewish People. Moshe did so, and expected that the terrible slavery would abate as a result. Instead, Paroh increased the workload of the Jews. At the conclusion of last week’s portion Moshe turns to Hashem in frustration. “Why have You done bad to Your people?” he asks. “Why have you sent me?”

This week’s Torah portion begins with Hashem’s response to Moshe. What is fascinating about the response is that it doesn’t seem to contain new ideas. Basically, Hashem reviews with Moshe the mission on which he is being sent. “I have heard the cries of the people,” Hashem says, “and I shall redeem them.” The message to Moshe is a great one. When you set out on a worthwhile goal, you may encounter obstacles. When you feel like giving up, remind yourself of your mission. Review the reason you are doing what you are doing and you will be reinvigorated. Don’t let setbacks rob you of your vision.

I would like to share with you a story which illustrates the power of a vision in a most dramatic way. Even from the depths, a person can be saved if they can keep their hopes and dreams alive.

A prominent Rabbi in New York received a phone call at 2:00 one morning. A police officer was on the line, and told him, “We have a woman here who is about to jump. The neighbors called us to try to intervene, but she won’t talk to us. She wants to talk to you before she goes. It seems that she listens to your radio broadcasts. Will you talk to her?”

Now very much awake the Rabbi consented, and he heard the woman take the phone. She repeated her declaration of intent to him over the phone, while the Rabbi tried in vain to create dialogue with her. Suddenly in a moment of inspiration he asked her, “But what should I tell your Chassan (Groom)?”

The woman was startled. “I am not engaged,” she said bitterly.

“Yes, but what should I tell your Chassan,” the Rabbi repeated. “You know our tradition that every person has a destined mate. I want to know what I should tell your Chassan when he comes to me complaining that he can’t find you. What do you want me to tell him?”

The words seemed to have found their mark because the next thing the Rabbi heard was sobbing, followed by the officer’s voice. “We’ve got her now. Thank you Rabbi. We’ve got her.”

The insight that saved that woman’s life was that she was reminded of her life’s vision. She had apparently hit obstacles that seemed to floor her, but by reconnecting with her hopes for a normal future she was able to pull through. If restoring one’s vision can pull one out of the depths of despair, it certainly can help us through the regular challenges of life.

So whether you are dating, job hunting, or yearning to excel in Torah, you should expect to encounter some tough moments. Real life isn’t a constant upward curve. Like most graphs it has its ups and downs. But as Hashem did with Moshe, review the vision, review your hopes and aspirations, your reasons for trying so hard. Then remind yourself, that with Hashem’s help you will indeed succeed.