As a pastor I have lots of people come to me with problems in their life that are very sad. It is one of the heaviest responsibilities of being in ministry. Seeing the problems and hearing the stories is difficult, but the worst part is not being able to fix things. I give counsel and admonish and I pray my heart out, and sometimes things get better and everything turns around, but most often nothing changes. Bad habits, low self-worth, selfishness, lack of self control, engrained dysfunctional behavior takes over and the bad choices continue. It is a mystery to me why people will continue to do things that have created their problems and they know it, but can’t seem to stop, or don’t want to stop. My resolve and commitment is to pray more than I have. To pray for myself for more wisdom to give better advice and to encourage and motivate more effectively so people will make better choices. To pray for people that God would protect and deliver them from the control and temptations of the devil and his demons. To pray that God would give strength to those struggling so they can resist and conquer bad habits. I am also resolved not to allow myself to become cynical, judgmental, or defeated but to persevere in loving, serving, praying and helping as God gives opportunity.