This exceptional photo titled Hardship of Life by Mehmet Aslan won the Siena International Photo of the year award.(1)
Munzir, the father, lost his right leg when a bomb was dropped at a market during the war in Syria. His son, Mustafa, was born without lower or upper limbs due to a congenital disorder caused by the medications his mother, Zeynep, had to take after being sickened by nerve gas.
I found the photo confronting. At first, I felt shocked, sad and helpless for them, especially for the little boy. But then, I was struck by Mustafa’s smile and the exchange of delight between them. In their tragedy, both are experiencing profound joy and intimacy.
You and I may not experience the devastation they suffered. Comparisons are unnecessary and unhelpful. Better to ask questions:
If I were to suffer such a severe tragedy, would my faith survive?
Would it rob me of joy in Jesus?
Would I become bitter or better; disillusioned or hopeful?
Are there ways I can strengthen my foundations and perspective to thrive through adversity?
I don’t know how Munzir survived.
We do know how the Apostle Paul thrived through adversity.
He reframed and redefined failure, hardships, suffering and success.
He received grace and power from the real Jesus of the Bible.
Imitate Paul and we can thrive through any adversity. See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
Your invitation to join me on a webinar
Redefining Success and Failure Through Adversity
A workshop on applying principles to respond to adversity and grow in resilience, fruitfulness and being like Jesus.
• Identify harmful definitions of success and failures
• Connect with the real Jesus of the Bible and apply His definitions of success and failure
• Imitate the Apostle Paul to thrive through torment and troubles
To accommodate as many time zones as possible, we are offering 2 options:
Wednesday, 24 November 7 to 8:15 PM AEDT – Sydney time, OR
Thursday, 25 November 11 AM to 12:15 PM AEDT – Sydney time
More information at missionsinterlink.org.au/events/redefining-success-and-failure-through-adversity
As a training offered with Missions Interlink Australia, it is free for their members.
$10 for non-members. However, if you are facing economic hardships, you can join for free. When registering, click ‘add discount code’ and enter FRIENDS during checkout.
Consider forwarding this invitation to your pastor, church leaders, missionary or anyone going through adversity or wanting to prepare for hardships.
Australia Post sent warnings about postal delays during the Christmas season. To avoid that, purchase Redefining Success according to Jesus in November.
RDSAJ Bulk Discounts
Buy them as Christmas gifts? Use it for your Bible study group next year?
Bulk orders attract discounts(2):
5-9 copies = 25% discount plus an extra book free
10-22 copies = 30% discount plus two extra books free
Buy a box of 27 books and only pay $297 ($11 per copy)
Until then,
Omar
(1) Mehmet Aslan, “Photo of the year,” Siena International Photo Awards 2021, https://sipacontest.com/gallery/photo/183651 (accessed November 3, 2021).
(2) Offer valid through 30 November 2021.
