Home School Milk and Honey

by Teri Spray

How can I stay focused on what God wants me to do? I feel like I can't do this anymore.

I believe we can become discouraged in the home education process because we expect home schooling to be a "promised land," a "land of mild and honey," when in actuality, it is a "wilderness journey." As we try day-to-day to supply not only the meals, clothing and physical needs of our children, but also their spiritual and academic needs as well, we can feel as though we are a dry desert. It is not until we have witnessed the Godly generations which will follow after us shall we see the home education land of promise.

Have you ever felt like "returning to Egypt?" Have there ever been days when you were just certain that someone else could teach your child better than you? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Like the wilderness wanderers we have days when the "Egyptian leeks and garlic" of the classroom can surely look mighty inviting! These are the days that you know that God has called you to teach your child and you are certain that this is God's plan for your family, but something just doesn't seem to fit. Something beside you whispers, "you can't do this... whoever said you could teach your child?...send them back... send them back..." Where do we turn on those days when Egypt beckons?

The children of Israel struggled terribly with their own doubts in the desert. They were so convinced that they were incapable of conquering their promised land, they were forced to wander for 20 years in the desert. When the spies reported "giants in the land," they were certain they could not conquer. (Never mind, of course that the Lord was bringing manna from heaven daily, water from rocks as required, not to mention parting the Red Sea for them!)

Why did Israel fear the "giants"? Why do we fear high school math? It is simply because we refuse to walk in faith believing, God has led us this far, He will surely take us all of the way. The children of Israel were absolutely correct, THEY could not conquer those giants. However, God could have conquered through them if they had allowed Him. God can conquer that high school math or any other home education giant you face if you allow Him to do so.

On those desert Days, remember the promises of God and stand firm in the call upon your life. Don't forget these precious words, "Fear Not for I am with thee; be not dismayed for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee yea, I will help thee yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10) I love to keep a scripture promise book, God's Promises for your Every Need close by. I often read a verse or two while I am cooking or waiting for a phone call. Gods promises provide the nutritional manna for my faith so that I can continue on the journey set before me.

Follow your daily direction from the Lord in the same manner that the Hebrew children followed their Pillar of Fire. Center your family and life upon Jesus Christ in the same manner that all of the tents turned toward the tabernacle in the midst of the desert camp. Nations trembled when they heard the miracles which God performed for these desert wanderers. Though you may feel like a wanderer, others tremble at what you do.

Take heart and be of good courage, for you will take the promised land eventually! Our children's graduation process resembles a crossing of the Jordan River. As our children cross the waters, into independence, they will have new lands of their own to conquer for Christ. As they enter their promised land, they must listen carefully to the Word of God and they will see evil fall before them like the walls of Jericho. As parents we can expect our children to accomplish great things in God's kingdom.

Like the children of Israel, our children will also have the opportunity to respond to Joshua's challenge: "Choose today whom you will serve!" As parents we will continue to pray daily that our children will respond as Joshua did, "As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) Then when our children and our children's children serve the Lord, then that will truly be our land of Homeschool milk and honey!