This devotional (for homeschoolers) that I read this morning was very encouraging when thinking about starting a new school year in the next few weeks. I have highlighted in RED what we must sow, and I highlighted in BLUE what we will reap, if we sow these things.
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” – Psalm 27:14
Homeschooling doesn’t always produce immediate rewards. Sometimes many years go by before the fruitfulness of your faithfulness is revealed. Hours will be spent in loving and patient academic instruction of your children as well as hours in training in righteousness before the benefits of homeschooling are seen. Personal spiritual battles will be fought against doubt, fear, and discouragement when they cause you to think, “This homeschool thing is just a waste of time.” Most of all, God’s promises will also need to be claimed as you base your homeschooling on the truth of the Bible. Like all worthwhile endeavors, homeschooling will yield its fruit in due season if you are willing to wait on God’s timetable instead of your own.
Certainly, the life of Joseph in the Old Testament is one example we can set before us when homeschooling seems to be in its darkest hours. Although this young man started out as his father’s favorite, his life quickly changed when jealousy got the best of his brothers. They threw Joseph into a pit, and then sold him as a slave. While in Egypt, Joseph continued to patiently live his life according to God’s Word even though he had to face false accusations and loneliness. However, many years later, Joseph finally experienced the rewards for maintaining a right heart attitude towards God and his brothers.
If you are in your first few years of homeschooling, don’t despair and give up. Even though the bumps and bruises seem too much, you will see the benefits of godly children who actually enjoy learning. In addition, your personal walk with the Lord will be rooted and strengthened as you learn to trust in God’s abilities and not in your own. Homeschooling works – just keep trusting in God’s Word when He says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” -Galations 6:9
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for blessing me with the task of teaching my children. Although some days seem difficult, I choose this day to keep my eyes on You. Please encourage me today and help me remain faithful until I see the homeschooling blessings You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This is from the book Daily Focus by Janet Tatman. This link will take you to Christianbook.com. It was less expensive here than on Amazon. I just found it last year and I would recommend it for any homeschooler. It is an encouragement every day that we all need!
So go to it Ladies!
Allison,
I just read this article and I have to tell you that this is just what I needed to hear! My daughter and I have had a really bad year homeschooling. In fact I am almost to the point of sending her to public school next year. Our family has discussed it but the decision has not been made yet. In my heart I know if I do send her I will be miserable. But I am miserable right now and our relationship is suffering. I appreciate your scriptures and will read more on my own. I feel God gave me this article just when I needed it.
Thank you for the encourgement! I am enjoying going through and reading your blog!
Jackie
btw: I am a member of the ECK group.
Jackie
Hi sister. I very much understand where you are now. I’m glad this devo was helpful and I know you will be led to more helpful places. I don’t know your specific situation (age of your daughter, style and amount of school, etc) and I’m happy to talk further if you’d like, but I do highly recommend books by Raymond and Dorothy Moore. They are the grandparents of the HS movement. There is even one called Homeschool Burnout that I’ve read parts of that is a great reminder of what is really important. You may need to do some radical things like a real break from academics to repair the relationship and focus on obedience, love and trust. Don’t let the world worry you with exactly where she “should be” with math or any other subject. God gave her to you because you are her best teacher. Let me know if I can help further. God bless you all!
Thank you Allison!
I have heard of the Moore’s, but do not have any of their books. I will have to look into it! It would be lovely to be able to sit down with you sometime and talk. It helps to get other point of views from like- minded people. Especially when they can look at the situation objectively.
I appreciate your words of wisdom very much!