18 Teves: Setting Limits

SETTING LIMITS The righteous rule [over nature] because of their subservience to G-d. (Shmuel II 23:3) G-d only creates the limits of nature, time, and space to train us to exert effort in learning Torah and performing mitzvos. Once we spiritually mature, G-d removes these restraints. This is comparable to educating a child. At first, adults must set clear rules and limits for the child. But as the child matures, he learns to regulate himself. The more that we align ourselves with G-d, the less we are bound by nature. See Moed Katan 17b and Rabbeinu Chananel there