Now take the engine. Can it move itself? Not without the steam power within. If there is no steam, there is no movement. The wheels of the engine cannot move themselves. Without the steam, the engine can do nothing.
Have you seen great guns being fired? What sends the great shells flying through the air for miles and miles? Can they make themselves go? No, it is just a spark that ignites the powder. Without that spark the shells, the guns can do nothing.
So we, capable as we may think ourselves, can do nothing unless we are linked on—or are in touch with—our Lord and Master. "Without Me ye can do nothing."
Do you think you can get on without Him?
Just think hard a minute. Sometimes you get up in the morning and you feel good! You say to yourself: "f shan't lose my temper to-day," or, "I shall do nothing to be scolded about."
And almost before you know it, you have given way to temper, or you have got into disgrace for doing something wrong. How was it? You can't explain it. "I forget," you say. Who can remind you just in time? The One who offers to help you all day long.
Imagine a big battle about to take place, and the soldiers going into it without any officer or general to tell them what to do. Would those soldiers get the victory over well ordered troops coming against them? No—never. And you will never get the victory over your enemies unless your Captain is leading you, and you do what He tells you. "Without Me ye can do nothing."
You must remember that the Devil with his hosts of wicked spirits are out to try to get you to sin every day and all day. What chance have you against the Devil? None at all, without your Captain's strong loving Hand holding yours, and helping you to fight.
A little boy was bullied by a big boy. He tried to stand up to him, but was knocked down at once. And then he caught sight of his father walking down the street. In an instant, he picked himself up and darted to his father's side.
"Hold my hand tight, Daddy," he cried.