There is a story related in the writings of the Geonim and Rishonim, of a certain student who wanted to learn from his teacher the language of animals and birds. The Gemara speaks about this wisdom and our Sages teach of us that King Solomon had this ability as well. This wisdom allowed a person to understand the communication between birds, animals etc.

The teacher did not want to relay this wisdom to his student, but after constant pressure the teacher finally relented and taught his student this amazing wisdom. The student went out to his farm one day and he heard one of his cows groaning. The other cow asked him what is wrong? He responded by saying that in a few days there will be an epidemic which will kill all of the cows. The student was so happy he understood the "conversation" and he immediately went and sold all of his cows. A few days later, sure enough, an epidemic struck wiping out all of the cows in the city. The student was ecstatic that he salvaged all of his money.

A month later he went out to his field and he heard two animals saying that a drought was going to strike and all of the crops would die. The student again went and sold all of his crops and saved all of his money once again.

A few days later he went out and he heard two birds speaking, one said to the other one that he feels bad for the owner (the student) because in a few days he is going to die. The student was shocked as he understood that he only had a few days left to live. He frantically ran to his teacher to tell him what happened and to see how he could save his life. The teacher told the student that he never wanted to teach him this wisdom. He continued by telling him that he was deserving divine punishment and Hashem wanted to exact retribution from his cows, but he managed to save his cows so Hashem decreed that he would lose his crops but this too the student managed to salvage. He then turned to his student and said Hashem wanted to deal with you kindly and exact retribution from your money not your soul, but you managed to save everything so you have caused this upon yourself.

We should realize that everything is from Hashem and His ways are upright and exacting. Although it is very difficult, especially in times of distress, but we must realize that even in the difficult times Hashem is treating us with great Kindness.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath