#difficult times

*Faith Rooted in God*

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. - Matthew 19:26

*Today's Scripture*

Matthew 19:23-26

*23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”*

*Today's Devotion*

I was inspired while reading a historical fiction account of the life of Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University. The stories of her determination and care for others led me to read more about her. One account tells how in the early 1900s, she “described” the buildings at her school for young African American women to a wealthy businessman. But when he visited the “campus,” he found only one building. She’d described her dream to him, hoping that he would invest in the school. Her faith and vision worked together to secure funding. Her school eventually became—and still is—a four-year university.

Bethune is credited with saying: “Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” Her quote is similar to what Jesus told the astonished disciples who were asking questions about salvation. They were trying to figure out how people could “enter the kingdom of God,” or heaven (Matthew 19:24). They wanted to know “who then can be saved?” (v. 25). Jesus shared with His followers that faith in God was the only way, because “with God all things are possible” (v. 26).

Faith is rooted in a belief in God and His abilities. Faith prompts us to believe in the possibility of things we don’t see yet (see Hebrews 11:1)—like a dream of a school for the underprivileged or an eternal home for those who accept Christ. May God help us see what He sees.

*Reflect & Pray*

What are you struggling to believe? How can trusting in God’s power help you?

*Dear God of all, please increase my faith in Your ability to do the impossible.*

*Today's Insights*

The rich man was trusting in himself, his good works, and his wealth for eternal life rather than in God (Matthew 19:16-22). To highlight the impossibility that he could enter heaven based on his own merits, Jesus said it would be easier for a large camel to go through the small eye of a needle than for a rich man to save himself (v. 23). The Jewish belief at that time was that God bestowed wealth on the deserving. If a moral and rich person who had God’s favor couldn’t make it into heaven, then seemingly no one could (v. 25). Christ says it’s impossible for humans to save themselves but “with God all things are possible” (v. 26). God did the impossible and the unthinkable when “he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him” would “have eternal life” (John 3:16). As believers in Jesus, we can trust God—who can do the impossible—to help us.

No matter how straight you walk, there will always be someone ready to criticize your slanted shadow.

In a world full of opinions, it’s easy to let the voices of critics drown out the melody of your own journey. But remember: your path is uniquely yours, shaped by your experiences, dreams, and aspirations. 🌈

🔍 Instead of worrying about how others perceive your shadow, focus on the light that guides you. Embrace your authenticity, celebrate your progress, and keep moving forward with purpose and passion.

💪 Let the critics be a reminder of how far you’ve come, not a roadblock to where you’re going. Walk confidently in your truth, and trust that your journey is valuable—just as it is.

So, to anyone feeling weighed down by criticism: let it go, keep shining, and walk your path with pride. The world needs your unique light! ✨

LIKE BRO WHY IS IT SO HARD💔💔