Sunday, September 25, 2011

Bringing in the Sheaves




A common response I get from people when I tell them I home school is usually something like, "I could never do that....I  don't have the patience....I wish I could, but I just don't have what it takes." Although I truly sympathize and understand where these women are coming from, the bottom line is neither do I! I could never do that, I don't have the patience and I don't have what it takes. Notice all those statements emphasize and are focused on "I."  I definitely don't have what I need to faithfully serve my children in this capacity, but Jesus does and He freely gives! (2 Peter 1:3)

We would't dare approach any ministry at church with the idea that we are serving God because of our own abilities or talents, and yet we so often approach homeschooling with that mindset. (2 Corinthians 3:5) The bottom line is that homeschooling is a ministry, and as with any ministry, God does the calling and equipping. We come poor and empty and he in turn fills us and gives us all that we need to perform our service for Him. (1 Timothy 1:12).

God supplies all we need to fulfill any task that He calls us to. As obvious and simple as that sounds, we are in constant need of reminding. (Philippians 3:1) We quickly get run down, overwhelmed and discouraged when we lose sight of Him who performs all things for us by the power of His Holy Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) How suddenly our calling can become a burden if we allow it to.

Remember, God is standing ready to supply the guidance (Psalm 16:11), wisdom (James 1:5), patience (Revelation 2:3) and love (1 John 4:8). It won't be easy, but it will be possible (Matthew 19:26). It will require sacrifice (Romans 12:1), diligence (Romans 12:11) and obedience (Isaiah 1:19), but to those who do not grow weary, a harvest is promised! (Galatians 6:9, John 15:16, Psalm 126:6).

5 comments:

  1. I can definitely relate to this post all to well. I actually just wrote about the fact that I needed God's strength and guidance on how to homeschool my kids better. I got the Mom's Homeschool Bible and it's definitely helped me more than I can express.

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  2. Homeschooling is a ministry, I love it :) I am so encouraged by this post, thank you. Stopping by from Wise Women Link Up. Have a blessed day. Tara.

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  3. Hi Tara and Crystal! I thank God that this has been an encouragement to you! He is good indeed :)
    Lena

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  4. Whenever someone observes, "But I don't have your temperament, I could never homeschool!" I reply, "I often don't have my temperament either, but homeschooling sure enhances my prayer life." Thanks be to God for His abounding grace!

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