Mosiah 21

5 And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side.

There are those things from which we cannot deliver ourselves. Limhi's people tried to fight, but they went down in defeat three times.
 
14 And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.

Sometimes we are driven to our knees. The first step in every 12-step program is something like this: Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable. The second step is: Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health.
 
When we rely on the Savior and turn our lives over to him, miracles can happen. At the same time, we have to do all in our power to overcome. We have to avoid temptation and strengthen ourselves spiritually through prayer, scripture study, church attendance, and service. Limhi and his people gave themselves over to the Lord and exercised great humility and trust in him, but they also did everything in their power as well.
 
36 And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and his people, was to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites and from bondage.