Let me tell you the story of “the little engine that could NOT”

By Dean Collins

Yes I know the title of the favorite children’s book. I have a memory of hearing the story of the little engine that could on the Captain Kangaroo show. I know I read it to my children many times. There are versions of this story that date back to 1920, and evidence of its telling even earlier. Children for over 100 years have heard this positive message that encourages us to try even when the task seems overwhelming. And in many ways that’s probably a healthy message.

But there will be a moment when you face the challenge that no amount of positive thinking or effort will handle. According to the apostle Paul, we will need to learn to be content in every situation, even at times when our resources are exhausted and clearly not enough to meet our need.

Not true

While it’s a nice idea that hard work always makes you a winner at the finish line, it’s simply not true and not found in Scripture. And the verse you may be remembering right now is evidence of my point. If you have been a follower of Christ for very long you can probably quote it before I type it out: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Isn’t that the apostle Paul’s version of the same story? See the little engine’s determination as he looks at the big train and the tough hill ahead. Watch him start to pull, and hear him saying, “I....think....I can....I think...I can” until eventually he steams down the other side puffing in victory, “ I thought I could, I thought I could.” Isn’t this just a child-sized version of “accomplishing all things”?

No, and here’s why.

Not enough

As Paul finished his thank-you letter to the Philippians he continued rejoicing. Seventeen times in just four small chapters Paul expressed joy and declared he was rejoicing. Yet he wrote these words while in prison. Paul’s little engine ended up in jail. Positive thinking couldn’t change his circumstance. He rejoiced in God’s goodness to him in spite of his trial, not because he was making it end.

And prison isn’t the only hill we actually can’t climb by ourselves. Some of us are in situations right now that are impossible to change with simply a positive attitude and consistent effort.

Paul actually owned the fact that he faced situations where he lacked resources and times when he was in need. He was nearly stoned to death, beaten, shipwrecked, and chained under guard between other prisoners. Never did Paul say, “I think I can.” Hear him as he faced insurmountable odds: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Come on Paul, that’s not the American way! You are supposed to hunker down, train harder, pray more, and believe you can do it!

Never did Paul say, “I think I can.”

Paul’s secret to getting through all his challenges and even rejoicing from his jail was not self-reliance. Paul’s secret was to depend solely on Christ as the one who gives him strength. Paul knew he didn’t have enough strength within himself, nor did he have enough resources except through Christ and the people who belonged to Christ providing for his needs.

Paul was content because he understood he was in the center of God’s will and work, even when he was chained in prison. Even there he exuded joy that he could serve and honor God while he prayed for and wrote to others to encourage them.

Not alone

I don’t know about you, but I’m still learning that lesson. And the big step of learning contentment starts with confession that we can’t actually do it by ourselves. When we get to that moment where only God can make something happen and we are content with whatever outcome he chooses to allow, then and only then can we experience the grace and peace of God. Then rejoicing can well up and overflow. Then we can learn that we can do all things, not on our own, but through Christ who strengthens and sustains us.

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:10-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Photos from Amazon showing current editions of the story