Lately the Lord has been trying to teach me about his statement contained in Matthew 19:26. Joseph Smith's rendition of the verse is, "With men this is impossible; but if they will forsake all things for my sake, with God whatsoever things I speak are possible." This bears some notable modifications from the King James version, which reads, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." My purpose, though, is not to review those changes, but simply to point out what I've learned recently, that one of Satan's favorite methods of distraction, with me at least, is to convince me that "I can't" accomplish something unless certain conditions are met. I can't feel comfortable in the morning unless the kids let me get at least some amount of sleep. I must accomplish X, Y, and Z, and there simply isn't time. I can't finish this task without input from some unwilling party.
Not only does this immediately discourage, it also provides a convenient avenue for me to direct anger toward someone else. I have to do X, and can't because you still didn't do Y. But with God, whatsoever things the Lord speaks are possible, even if you never do Y; I must simply be still, and wait upon the Lord.
I can offer no great insight at this time; I can only say that it has already been helpful for me to notice when my thoughts stray toward the "I can't" category. Recognizing those thoughts as coming from Satan is probably half the battle.
Not only does this immediately discourage, it also provides a convenient avenue for me to direct anger toward someone else. I have to do X, and can't because you still didn't do Y. But with God, whatsoever things the Lord speaks are possible, even if you never do Y; I must simply be still, and wait upon the Lord.
I can offer no great insight at this time; I can only say that it has already been helpful for me to notice when my thoughts stray toward the "I can't" category. Recognizing those thoughts as coming from Satan is probably half the battle.