Wherever We Land

As a child, one of my favorite books was The Little Engine That Could. There was something about that small blue engine, climbing a hill with nothing but determination, that stuck with me. “I think I can, I think I can,” it would say, chugging along against all odds. And when I found myself in a bind—whether it was a tough test at school, a challenge at home, or just trying to believe in myself—I would whisper those same words: “I think I can, I think I can.”

That phrase was more than just a line from a children’s book. It became a chant of encouragement when I needed to push forward. It gave me hope that effort and positivity could carry me through, even when I felt small or uncertain.

But life has a way of growing us up. With time, I came to realize that willpower alone wasn’t always enough. The hill was steeper than I thought. The load heavier. The world more unpredictable. That’s when my source of strength shifted.

Now, as an adult, I no longer say, “I think I can.” I say, “I know I can.” But it’s not because of my own power or positive thinking—it’s because of the One I rely on: the God of the Holy Scriptures.

I know I can—even when taking on a new destination in the woods on a camping trip—because my trust is not in my own strength, but in God’s faithful hand to guide me.

I’ve traded in my childhood chant for something greater— faith in God’s promises. The Bible tells me in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” That verse alone gives me the confidence to keep going—not because I’m strong, but because He is. When I trust in the Lord and walk in obedience, I move forward with assurance, not just hope.

So while The Little Engine That Could gave me my first lesson in perseverance, The Bible has taught me how to endure with purpose, hope, and faith. I no longer just “think” I can. I “know” I can—because God is with me every step of the way.

And that’s the beauty of growth. The things that once inspired us as children may still hold value, but as we grow in wisdom and truth, we find deeper strength in the everlasting Word of God.

“I know I can because He said I can.” Hallelujah.