A Story from the Baal Shem Tov

B"H

The following Story from the Baal Shem Tov I heard from Rabbi Machlise's wife Henny:

Once the Baal Shem Tov was invited for a Shabbat meal by a poor farmer. The Baal Shem Tov told his students who were supposed to accompany him to eat as much as possible at the farmer's house. The poor farmer had not enough food but did not say anything to the Baal Shen Tov. Instead he decided to slaughter his only cow in order to provide enough meat.
The Shabbat was very delightful but on the next day the farmer was very sad. He had lost his only cow, and in order to get food for his family he sold all his belongings including his farm. After one week he went out into the fields, wept and started praying to G-d. He asked G-d for money and a livelihood.

After a while, Ivan, the drunkard of the village, came by and told the farmer that he was the only person ever being nice to him. And therefore, Ivan wants him to have his treasure hidden under a tree. Ivan showed the tree to the farmer and a few the days later, Ivan passed away.
The farmer became rich and he went to see the Baal Shem Tov. "Why did G-d not tell me about the treasure before? And you, great master, knew the whole time about the treasure and Ivan.
"Well, said the Baal Shem Tov, the treasure has been waiting for you all these decades but you never asked for it. In order to get something from G-d you have to pray for it. As soon as you prayed, G-d answered your prayer."

This we also see in Parashat Lech Lecha. Sarah and Avraham were waiting for children for many years but only when they prayed, G-d answered their prayer.
I wish everybody that all their prayers are being answered.

Shabbat Shalom