Candid Conversation with God

I wanted to share the conversation I had with God before we started homeschooling. It came to me a few times so maybe it’s the Lord’s way of asking me to share, so here we go…

Dear Jesus,

I wanted to discuss this whole homeschooling thing you have called us to. I have a few concerns and would just like to hear from you, you know some kind of confirmation that we should homeschool, that we’re on the right track, because I’m freaking out just a bit. So here’s where I’m at with this whole thing…

1. I’m scared.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut 31;8)

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:20)

2. I’m worried about what other people will think or say.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. (Prov 29:25)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Prov 9:10)

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)

3. I doubt my own ability to teach my kids effectively.

…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

4. I don’t think we can afford it.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

5. How can I take care of my home, family, and daily responsibilities and homeschool?

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)

6. I’m so overwhelmed, I don’t even know where to start!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)

6. What about my free time?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

7. What if my kids turn out weird and un-socialized?

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

8. What if I lose friends or family because they disapprove?

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. (Philippians 3:1-8)

9. What about my attitude and, um shall we say lack of patience?

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation”. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:14-18)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

…for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)

10. Um, so are you saying I’m going to be tested? Because we all know how that turns out…

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 1:3-5)

10. What if I can’t hack it? I mean it’s always easier said then done!

…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12: 1-3)

11. How am I to teach, I don’t even have a teaching degree?

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut 6-9)

12. Okay, I’m out of excuses, any final advice?

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (Isaiah 40:11 NLT)

and thus began our journey…