trainWhen I was a teenager I spent one summer at my aunt and uncle’s produce farm. At the time their son was about two years old. His favorite movie was The Little Engine That Could. He would watch it repeatedly every morning after breakfast. Every morning he would be enthralled as Tillie climbed the mountain saying, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” The task seemed impossible to the little engine but she believed she could do it.

Frequently when a challenging situation arises we find ourselves thinking that we can’t do it. We can’t handle another responsibility or another disruption to our day. Rather than looking at what we can’t do a Biblical prayer similar to Tillie’s positive attitude would be “Lord I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Our tendency is to be negative about a difficultly, however when we truly believe that He gives us the ability to walk through we don’t have be pessimistic. This could be an opportunity to know His faithfulness in an entirely new dimension.

Have you ever come across someone you admire for their positive attitude in the midst of a demanding life? Perhaps they care for their handicap child who is now an adult or endlessly volunteer their time for charity or always have joy in their heart even though you know they are going through a tough time. Most of the time when asked how they carry on, these people will tell you, “One day at a time.” Isn’t this the best way to live: knowing that for this present moment He is faithful to give us His strength?

No matter what it is we are going through He is there waiting for us. When we ask for His strength our burden is lifted and we don’t have to say “I think I can” but can say with assurance “I know I can through Him”!

When I find myself looking at life with the attitude of “I can’t do this” I take a step back, ask for wisdom to examine my priorities and for the ability to lean on Him for His strength to carry out what is needed for each day. As I look back on days past I stand in awe because I know that I could not have done anything without His strength.

published in August 2013 edition of Hudson River Sampler by Naomi Fata

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