What "Powerless" Doesn’t Mean

Some men take the concept of being “powerless” to extremes.  

Such as:

• I can’t be expected to do my dailies every day because I’m powerless.
• I can’t pray both morning and night because I’m powerless.
• I can’t be expected to do service because I’m powerless.
• I don’t feel guilty when I act out because--of course--I’m powerless.
• I don’t even try to white knuckle it anymore because I’m powerless.
• I don’t make promises or set goals; I know I won’t follow through because I’m powerless.
• I can’t keep my hands off of girls because I’m powerless.
• I know D&C 88 says to go to bed early and get up early, but I can’t do that because I’m powerless.
• I can’t avoid having fantasies because I’m powerless.
• Once I come across a trigger I immediately go to my addiction because I’m powerless.
• Things build up and the only release I have is to act out because I’m powerless.
• I just know I’m going to relapse soon, I always do, because I’m powerless.
• I can’t be expected to exercise or take care of my body because I’m powerless.
• I can’t help but deceive others about my addiction because I’m powerless.
• I can’t be expected to attend 12 Step meeting at least once a week because I’m powerless.
• And, of course, I can’t attend more than one meeting a week because I’m powerless.
• I don’t feel it does any good to call or meet with a support person because I’m powerless.
• I feel uncomfortable meeting with my bishop because he doesn't understand what it’s like to be powerless.

I really, really want to overcome this addiction, that's why I have turned it all over to the Lord.  If He really wants me to do any of these things, He will step in and make it happen because He has all the power.  I don’t have any power because I’m powerless. And after all I’m already doing everything I possibly can.

To be powerless in the context of the atonement does not mean to be helpless or hopeless. 
When we are powerless we should see God as a constant “partner” in everything we do.

                     "I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying." -Michael Jordan