A young man was being interviewed by his school counselor. “Tell me about your family,” she said.

“Well,” the young man began, “my dad’s in jail.”

“I see,” she responded. “What about your mom?”

“She’s an alcoholic.”

The counselor made a note and continued. “Do you have any brothers or sister?”

“An older brother and an older sister.”

“Tell me about them,” the counselor said.

“My sister is in a drug treatment program.”

“And what about your brother?” she asked.

“He’s away at medical school.”

The counselor perked up. “Very good. I’m glad to hear someone in your family is doing well. Where is he studying?”

“Oh, he’s not studying anywhere,” he replied. “They’re studying him.”

Perhaps there is no such thing as the perfect environment in the world. We cannot use our surroundings as an excuse for failure. We must rise above our circumstances. No matter where we come from, or what we have, if we put our trust in Jesus, we can achieve great things.

Psalms 31:1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.