Even pastors get frustrated.

Let me explain.

Most people indicate that they want to see improvement in their life. Whether it be a relationship, a career, or a vice, they want to be better.

People come for counseling, and they are seeking advice. I can give them a recommended course of action. Sometimes, I’m absolutely sure that I have a Holy Spirit revealed plan to definitely improve their life.

But the most frustrating thing in the world for me is this. You’ve come seeking help, but you refuse to change.

Every person you know is perfectly equipped to get the results they’re currently getting. But if you want different or better results in the future, something must change.

You. Must. Change!

You must get better.

Why is that?

Well, first of all, I have no magic wand. Yes, I can pray. But you will have to do your part. 99% of the time that means you’ll have to change the process. If you refuse to change or better control the process, then don’t expect a different output.

I learned a lot about process control during the twenty years I spent in manufacturing (a cotton mill and an iron foundry). Making scrap is a waste of time and energy. If you’re making more seconds in quality than first-rate sellable products, you have a problem with your process. Ignoring process control is an easy way to go out of business.

But if you want a better output (manufactured item), you have to establish the correct inputs (process control). It’s simple, but it takes daily and hourly discipline.

The same principles work for our lives.

Relationships, careers, and most other situations in life do not just magically get better. Yes, all things are possible to them that believe. But God has always expected His people to cooperate with His Holy Spirit.

Don’t fear making changes that you know will make you better in the long run. They might be difficult in the short run, but after your changes are set in place, you’ll see improvement to the glory of God.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV).