I Don't Think I Can Do This!



While talking with other homeschooling mothers, I frequently hear comments such as: “I don’t think I can do this home schooling thing” or “Sometimes I feel so inadequate to teach my own children.” Well, the plain truth is that we ARE inadequate!

I, too, have days filled with doubts because I realize that I don’t know everything, that I don’t have hours and hours to prepare for each school day, and I am not sure how to meet the unique needs of each child. In my own strength and resources, I fall far short of the ideal homeschooling mom that I imagine I should be.

Quietly the Lord reminds me that the success of our home schooling is not dependent on my eloquence, organization, or my abilities at all. Home schooling was a conviction my husband and I received from the Lord, a sureness in our hearts that this was the obedient and God-honoring thing to do. So God seems to highlight Scripture verses through our family devotion times to remind me just whose reputation is really at stake here.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) Each morning, as a family, we commit our day to God. Having done that, it is now God’s responsibility to cause our home schooling to succeed. Does that mean we can quit schooling? No, knowledge and understanding will not be sprinkled down on our children like a magical dust from above, but the final outcome of what we do is all part of God’s plan for us.

God says in His word that He will honor those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). That is one goal that keeps me focused and protected from discouragement. God takes me back to the original spiritual vision that He gave us and reminds me not to question in the dark times of difficulty or doubt what He has shown us in the light.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Paraphrased for mothers: “In her heart, a mom considers the day’s lesson plans, but the actual day and its events will unfold as God Himself has determined.” Relax and take a deep breath, I remind myself. Okay, I promise to plan carefully, Lord, but I will be flexible and yield to Your divine interruptions and changes of plan in our school day.

Because God specifically has asked us to raise our children for Him, He promises to make available to us everything we need in order to do this job. It would be silly of me to expect one of our children to wash the family car, if I fail to provide the needed items to accomplish the task: no hose, water, soap, sponges, or towels with which to do the job! “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him...” (2 Peter 1:3). In the final analysis, this homeschooling lifestyle was begun by God’s urging and He promises to be the one to complete the work in each of our children--and in each of us!

Thank you, Lord, that You love each of our children even more than Steve and I combined. Each day of our children’s lives is already determined. You know, as their master teacher, what they each will need (in terms of faith, character, and academics) for that future plan to succeed. We confidently depend on You for everything! “...being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)



© 2000 Vicki Lewis