I Love Institute!

Sister Terry:
"I want you guys to think for a minute if there was a meeting to be held about YOU.  Everyone would be there.  You, the Lord, Heavenly Father, and even the adversary."
Hypothetical conversation my teacher kind of acts out for the class:
"Devil, you remember Hannah, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Do you have any interest in her?"
"Are you kidding?  She has great things ahead of her.  She is a daughter of God.  She has a body and so much goodness.  I can't afford to have her stay strong.  I have a whole regime set a side for her."
"What are your tactics you are going to use against her?"

Sister Terry pointed out that while we talk about Satan the least amount possible, and don't like talking about him at all, we need to recognize that he pokes at our weaknesses.  She told us to think about what tactics he is probably using against us, because if we are aware, we are going to be so much more able to  catch them ahead of time.
"Remember how you were trying to get me to not go to church on fast Sunday?!  Well, I went.  AND I fasted!! HA!" (again my teacher hypothetically speaking.  She does that a lot).

It's an interesting thing to think about what tactics he is using against me - about what weaknesses he might be playing at.  Because at the same time I am strengthened and empowered knowing that I am such a threat to the adversary.  I am a daughter of God and do indeed have assignments and callings to accomplish.  I've had several of my friends tell me at various times in their lives that "Satan is just really working hard on me."  I have told them every time: Well, then show 'im what you've got!  There is a reason he is working so hard on you, you know.  It's because you have something important to do and he is going to do whatever he can to stop you.  If its a fight he wants, its a fierce fight he will get.  From you, from your loved ones - here and beyond the veil - and most importantly the ever-protecting Savior Jesus Christ.  In fact, with the Savior on your side, it's not really even a fight.  It's a win.

Sister Terry just closed by encouraging us to think about our own weaknesses.  Maybe there are habits we need to break, or habits that we need to acquire in order to not let these tactics become fatal blows.  Correcting ourselves and improving ourselves is not always easy, but we are children of God!  I know it.   Although the power of the devil is real, and sometimes escaping his grasp seems like the farthest thing from possible, it IS possible.  Let me just share that the divinity of God is stronger.  It is the winning power, and it is inside of each of us. This life is a fight sometimes, and ya know, we are Saturday's warriors.  Warriors get bruised and bloody.  Expect it.  Rise above it because you can.  I love this freeing and strengthening gospel.  I love that I can go to my institute class every other day and learn of these amazing truths.
That's what they are - truths.
And I am so grateful for them.