The short story “A Letter to God” by Gregorio López y Fuentes is a compelling narrative that explores themes of faith, hope, and human resilience. The protagonist, Lencho, is a poor farmer whose life revolves around his crops. For Lencho, a successful harvest means survival for his family, while a failed one spells starvation. When a sudden calamity destroys his only source of livelihood, Lencho finds himself with no one to turn to but God. This leads him to write a letter to God, seeking divine assistance.
But why did Lencho need God’s help? What drove him to believe that only divine intervention could save him? Let’s explore the reasons behind Lencho’s desperate plea and the deeper significance of his faith.
1. Complete Destruction of His Crops
The primary reason Lencho needed God’s help was the total destruction of his crops. Lencho had worked tirelessly, cultivating his field of corn and beans, which promised a bountiful harvest. As a farmer, he knew that this harvest was vital for his family’s survival. It would provide them with:
- Food for the year
- Income from selling surplus crops
- Resources to replant for the next season
However, just when everything seemed perfect, a devastating hailstorm struck. The hailstones destroyed every plant, leaving nothing behind. The fields, which had once been full of promise, were now barren. For Lencho, this loss was catastrophic because it meant starvation for his family and financial ruin.
2. Lack of Alternative Support
Another reason Lencho sought God’s help was his lack of alternatives. Lencho lived in a rural area where resources were scarce. He had:
- No access to banks or loans
- No savings or additional income
- No wealthy neighbors or relatives who could help
For Lencho, farming was not just a profession—it was his entire livelihood. With the crops gone, there was no other source of income. In such a dire situation, God seemed like the only hope. His decision to write to God reflects the isolation and helplessness faced by many farmers who depend solely on agriculture.
3. To Feed His Family
Lencho was not just worried about replanting his crops; he was deeply concerned about feeding his family. The hailstorm had not only destroyed his potential income but also his immediate food supply. With no harvest, there was nothing to eat. Hunger loomed large over the family, and Lencho felt responsible for their well-being.
In his letter to God, Lencho specifically asked for one hundred pesos:
“God: If you don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry this year. I need a hundred pesos to sow my field again and to live until the crop comes because the hailstorm destroyed everything.”
This request shows that Lencho’s need for God’s help was urgent and practical—he needed money both to survive the coming months and to prepare for the next planting season.
4. Lencho’s Unshakable Faith in God
Perhaps the most profound reason Lencho turned to God was his unwavering faith. Lencho believed that:
- God sees everything and cares for the good and hardworking.
- God would not let an honest man’s family starve.
- Prayers and requests made with a pure heart would always be answered.
Lencho’s faith was so strong that he never doubted that God would send him the full amount he needed. This absolute trust in divine intervention is what makes his character so memorable. For Lencho, God was not a distant figure but a benevolent force who would surely come to his aid.
5. Hope for a Better Future
Beyond survival, Lencho’s letter to God represents his hope for a better future. He did not give up after the disaster. Instead, he believed that with God’s help, he could:
- Replant his fields
- Regain his livelihood
- Provide for his family once again
This optimism reflects the resilience of the human spirit. Lencho did not wallow in despair; instead, he looked forward, believing that divine help would enable him to rebuild what was lost.
6. No Faith in Human Help
Interestingly, while Lencho had absolute faith in God, he had little trust in human beings. This is evident later in the story when he suspects the post office employees of stealing part of the money he believed God had sent.
This distrust of humans and faith in the divine highlight how some people believe that only divine intervention can truly be relied upon, especially when human support systems are absent or unreliable.
Conclusion
Lencho needed God’s help because a hailstorm had destroyed his only source of livelihood, leaving his family on the brink of starvation. With no alternative sources of support, Lencho believed that divine intervention was his only hope. His request for one hundred pesos reflected both his immediate need for survival and his desire to rebuild his future.
What makes Lencho’s plea unique is his unshakable faith in God. He never doubted that his prayer would be answered. His belief that God would not abandon him highlights the power of faith and hope in the face of adversity. Ultimately, Lencho’s story teaches us that faith can give people the strength to endure hardships, but it also reminds us of the importance of recognizing the goodness in those around us, as sometimes, divine help comes through human hands.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
