Viktor Emil Frankl, M.D., Ph.D. (26 March 1905 – 2 September 1997) was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist as well as a Holocaust survivor. His best-selling book Man’s Search for Meaning chronicles his experiences as a concentration camp inmate, which led him to discover the importance of finding meaning in all forms of existence, even the most brutal ones, and thus, a reason to continue living. Frankl became one of the key figures in existential therapy and a prominent source of inspiration for humanistic psychologists.
The people who do not find meaning in the hardship that they experience will not be able to withstand the situation and will not succeed. As believers we need to see the meaning behind the events in our lives otherwise we will not be able to fully grow and develop our souls and therefore not make it through our admission test. By understanding that everything that God allows to happen in our lives is for our own good and being conscientious of the blessings God puts in our way we will be able to succeed.
The trials of life are meant for our good, and believers realize that this is for our good and do not become despondent under adversity.
Unbroken Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrjJbl7kRrI
Unbroken is a film about the life of USA Olympian and athlete Louis “Louie” Zamperini. Zamperini survived in a raft for 47 days after his bomber was downed in World War II, then was sent to a series of prisoner of war camps. How he was able to grow from this situation is a lesson for everyone.
The Battle of the Parties
33:9 O you who believe, remember GOD’s blessing upon you; when soldiers attacked you, we sent upon them violent wind and invisible soldiers. GOD is Seer of everything you do.
33:10 When they came from above you, and from beneath you, your eyes were terrified, your hearts ran out of patience, and you harbored unbefitting thoughts about GOD.
33:11 That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up.
33:12 The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, “What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!”
33:13 A group of them said, “O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back.” Others
made up excuses to the prophet: “Our homes are vulnerable,” when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee.
33:14 Had the enemy invaded and asked them to join, they would have joined the enemy without hesitation.
33:15 They had pledged to GOD in the past that they would not turn around and flee; making a pledge with GOD involves a great responsibility.
33:16 Say, “If you flee, you can never flee from death or from being killed. No matter what happens, you only live a short while longer.”
33:17 Say, “Who would protect you from GOD if He willed any adversity, or willed any blessing for you?” They can never find, beside GOD, any other Lord and Master.
33:18 GOD is fully aware of the hinderers among you, and those who say to their comrades, “Let us all stay behind.” Rarely do they mobilize for defense.
33:19 Also, they are too stingy when dealing with you. If anything threatens the community, you see their eyes rolling with fear, as if death had already come to them. Once the crisis is over, they whip you with sharp tongues. They are too stingy with their wealth. These are not believers, and, consequently, GOD has nullified their works. This is easy for GOD to do.
33:20 They thought that the parties might come back. In that case, they would wish that they were lost in the desert, asking about your news from afar. Had the parties attacked you while they were with you, they would rarely support you.
The Prophet’s Courage*
33:21 The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD.
Footnote
33:22 When the true believers saw the parties (ready to attack), they said, “This is what GOD and His messenger have promised us, and GOD and His messenger are truthful.” This (dangerous situation) only strengthened their faith and augmented their submission.
33:23 Among the believers there are people who fulfill their pledges with GOD. Some of them died, while others stand ready, never wavering.
33:24 GOD will surely recompense the truthful for their truthfulness, and will punish the hypocrites, if He so wills, or redeem them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.