My husband and I are currently in the ministry. We both grew up in hard situations. Our family is a blended family because our spouses decided to leave. We have seven children and seven grandchildren. God has been with us through a number of storms. Some of those storms were of our own making. We encourage people to start young. Love God first, put Him first, and make Him Lord before doing anything else. As is true with us, not everyone does that. Praise God for forgiveness. We should never intentionally disobey. On the bright side, we are human and God understands our weaknesses. He waits with open arms to forgive and receive the prodigal back into His loving protection. The key to this is true, whole hearted and humble repentance. God is willing and ABLE to walk with us and fight for us as long as we put Him first. Praise Him for second, third, and innumerable chances as freedom from sin.