How does the story of Mirikar and the snake illustrate Sai Baba's teachings on faith and protection?

The incident with Mirikar and the snake profoundly illustrates Sai Baba's teachings on faith and divine protection. As detailed in Chapter 22, Baba cryptically warns Mirikar about a 'Lamba Bawa' (snake) but immediately reassures him, asking, "what can he do to us? We are the children of Dwarkamai." This foreshadows the danger but emphasizes that faith in the Guru provides ultimate safety. When Mirikar initially refuses to take Madhavrao (Shama), Baba comments, "as is one’s faith, so is the resulting fruit," directly linking outcomes to belief. Baba also refers to Dwarkamai as an affectionate mother who protects her children, but notes that her ability to protect is hindered if the children themselves are faithless. The entire episode serves as a practical lesson on the interplay between the Guru's grace, the devotee's faith, and the karmic events that unfold.