Homeschool Fears
Posted in Daily Focus on Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Satan really takes advantage of homeschoolers. When you jump into something different, such as teaching your own children, you become susceptible to his attacks of doubt and fear. Unsure of your abilities, you second-guess your decisions and desperately look for affirmation and direction. Added to those doubts are questioning remarks and comments from those who don't homeschool, and soon you begin to think, "I could really mess up my children's lives if I do this wrong!" The multiple battlefronts of spiritual, emotional, and physical attacks call for reinforcement from the Lord. Only His divine strength, wisdom, and power can counteract Satan's fears.
The apostle Paul understood how it felt to be attacked by Satan. When addressing the church in Corinth, he said, "For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears" (2 Corinthians 7:5). I'm sure at times Paul must have questioned if he was doing the right thing when he went on his missionary journeys to establish the early churches. Not only did the other apostles criticize his work with the Gentiles, but he also suffered at the hands of his fellow Jews and the unbelieving communities he tried to reach. Add to those fears the beatings, shipwrecks, and other persecutions, and it's no wonder he was afraid. Still, Paul continued to trust in Jesus for every need and even his very life.
Are you tired from Satan's attacks? Does it seem like when you find victory over one fear another one develops? Dear one, I wish I could tell you things will get better, but that might not be the case. The battles will probably remain. You see, if Satan can't keep your family from believing in Christ, his next goal is to keep your family from living for Christ. If you're feeling weary today, run to your Commander and Lord and let His love empower you to face every fear. In Christ's name and by the power of His blood, you will defeat Satan. Besides, the worst way you could mess up your children's lives is if you don't fight. Don't let the fears win! "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8-9a).
Lord God, I recommit myself and my family to You today. Strengthen us to stand strong against the fears and discouragement Satan brings to our homeschool. Let me see the plans and purpose You have for us and may our lives glorify You. In the dear name of Jesus, Amen.
Comments(34 comments)
CHERYL M 01/28/2009 05:36:43
Wow! It's like you read my mind. Just what I needed to hear today. I have been homeschooling my 9 year old for only 3 months now, with much success. Just in the last few days, the doubts that I had before I started this journey have resurfaced with no reasoning! Thank you for your words and please know that they will be repeated in my mind very often today.
-Cheryl
ANDREA M 01/28/2009 07:34:29
I've been homeschooling my 8, 6, and 3 y.o. for 7 months now, and many strange attacks have come at us in this time. However, I made my decision only after much prayer and a decision to, at least in this, abondon my will for God's. Despite some of our setbacks, (including a miscarriage and hospitalization), every day of homeschooling has been an entering into His Grace! We are so much closer as a family, and are seeing much more of our friends and extended family.
I offer my doubts to God and he takes care of them instantly. And I only have to turn on the latest news to be reassured that my children are in the best place. The world is changing fast, in so many ways going away from God and destroying itself, but we all know the victory and glory is His.
God bless all my homeschool partners in Christ!
ROXANNE C 01/28/2009 08:39:42
Thank you so much. I have just started to homeschool my son this week, and the doubts and fears have been somewhat overwhelming. Todays devotional is an answer to my prayers.
SONYA H 01/28/2009 11:51:27
I have been homeschooling for over 12 years, graduated 2 and still have 5 at home. Fear has recently been a crippling factor despite the fact my older two are doing quite well. The oldest 23 has a really good job and the 18 yr. old is in her second semester in college with great grades and has adjusted well to dorm life.
We have recently moved from a large city with lots of support groups to a rural area. Finding a church has been challenging and the nearest support group is 50 minutes away. Friendships are a concern for my children and activity another. Public school would have never been concidered before and is now intering my mind more and more. The enemy sometimes has me paralized with fear on a daily basis.
I am slowly seeing the 11 and 10 year old girls becoming closer and my focus towards relationship with all of the children has become a priority at this time, (more than education), though we are faithful to continue to learn each day. Thank you for recognizing and speaking out on fear and trust for each are in opposition to one another and my Hope is in the Lord and I must Trust the plan Father has laid out for our family.
I love reading your devotionals and look forward each day to recieve a new one.
Pressing forward toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.
ALIDA V 01/28/2010 15:53:30
Hi, the biggest attack on our homeschooling doesn't come from doubt, but from a judging overbearing mum-in-law. This is a personal and under the belt attack, leaving my husband to choose to rather cut off all communication with them after we moved to another country 1500km from them! May God protect us from Satan's attacks through her and anyone or anything he might us to attack us, in the Name of Jesus!! Guess what, now the whole family, my husband, 2 kids and me can see how Jesus works in our lives each day and it's as if he has put now a protective umbrella over us, because everything just work out for us in our new country and home.
Do you have a devotional for us on this issue? It's more the fear that this whole mum-in-law issue will happen all over again, we know we must not give into this fear, because you create what you fear!!
talina t 01/29/2010 07:42:53
I am a beginner to homeschooling and very scarred. And i have to say this blog has read my mind right down to a T. I am so sacrred that I going to mess up my children's future. But this blog has reassured me that i am not the only one that feels this way and if continue to have faith in god and let him guide me and my children. We will prevail in home school. Thank you, all the comments really helped me on my decision to continue to do what my heart feels. Talina
HEATHER B 01/28/2011 04:28:46
Thank you for this posting as it could not have come to me at a better time. Today we had a very rough day in homeschooling and someone in our family recently made the comment that the math one of my children was doing was behind the public school. We are attending an online school that uses the AOP products and feel they are very challenging especially in Math. I feel strongly that Satan's attacks can come from other people who may be jealous or resentful. Remembering back at what my children went through in public school I definitely feel we made the right decision!
FRANK F 01/28/2011 07:35:05
Thank You. It is as this blog was written just for me. Have a blessed day.
A K 01/28/2011 08:13:24
HI! I have been wondering for some time now if there is a web site to visit to see how many parents ( or what their view is to) notify the public schools that they are homeschooling (when required by law)? Where I live it is req. to notify the public schools that your are homeschooling and to either have the kids tested, have a supervising teacher, or the portfolio method. But, I have some friends who believe it is not the states right to know and they will never notify the schools. And also, how do kids get their diplomas if they don't use a correspondence school? I noticed in a previous devotional that her daughter took her GED test? Thanks for any input....... :)
SHERI O 01/28/2011 08:43:57
This devotion has come God's perfect timing! I am filled with wonder and excitement too. My husband and I currently homeschool our oldest daughter and we are just beginning to pull out our youngest daughter from Special Ed from the public school. Joy was with me yesterday over that decison and then later on of course everything described above started to hit me. Before I opened this email this morning I was having second thoughts and doubts started to plague me and fear. I felt like this was written just for me as well! I am filled with courage from God and strength and ready to do this! I love these devotionals, they light up my life every morning! Thank you so much! I love you Jesus.
JANET T 01/28/2011 09:27:37
AK -
There are many homeschool forums available where you could pose your question in regard to the debate on whether or not to notify the public school that you are homeschooling. Here are a few:
http://www.homeschoolspot.com/
http://www.homeschool.com/forum/
http://www.home-school.com/forums/
You can create your own high school diploma for your child, but it will not be an "officiallly" recognized diploma from a state department of education.
Therefore, taking the GED test through a local community college may help when it comes time for your child to fill out an employment application and be able to list his high school/GED completion date.
Also, if your child plans on attending college, it's best to plan to take either the ACT or SAT test. Together with your own high school transcript, these grades and test results make the college admission and scholarship eligibility much easier. For more information in preparing for college, you might also like to read this article - Countdown to College
http://www.aophomeschooling.com/blog/homeschool-view/countdown-to-college-a-homeschoolers-guide-part-1/
A K 01/28/2011 09:46:54
Thank you very much for the info!
FRANCES B 01/28/2011 11:07:57
This is ringing true for me as well. I just started a bible study at church to help me deal with my doubts and feelings of fatigue and lethargy. I've just been worn thin. His gentle answer to prayer put me in touch with a friend who is struggling as a foster Mom. We both need to get back in touch with our Lord to hear His will for us and our families. I know His touch will heal me.
SUZANNE S 01/28/2011 11:11:02
Thank you!!! I needed to hear these words today!!! We've had a rocky school year with illness and surgery hitting us from all directions. The doubts and questioning of others whether we are doing what's best for our children hasn't helped either. I know in my heart having my children at home is my calling...
ANGIE W 01/28/2011 14:09:41
I have really been enjoying all the daily devotionals. Then after reading this one from today, I just had to sign up so I could leave a comment. After lots of praying, lots of soul searching, I finally made the decision to start homeschooling this next fall. We have a 10 yo daughter, 8 yo daughter, 5 yo son, and 7 mo baby girl. Believe me, I'm scared to death!!!! Before I made the final decision, there were so many things going on inside my heart that made me want to homeschool more and more. Besides being fet up with the public schools. We live in Arkansas, and anyone else who does, knows about Benchmark Tests every Spring! They don't know how to read calandars very well, or tell time, or count money that great, but by gosh don't let them fail a Benchmark exam!!!! Just another push towards the final decision, and my husband backs me all the way. We have been through so much with our two older daughters, its unreal. Well, back to the point and off of my soap box!! I love this devotional because the ole devil is doing me the same way. Oh you have 4 kids, you'll never pull this off and what if I do screw up there education! It does scare me! Then I remember the One who is backing me in this decision. If God be for us, then who be against us!!!! So thank you Lord for ALL your love and support because I KNOW YOU WILL BE THE ONE GUIDING ME ALL THE WAY!!!!!!
JONETTE G 01/28/2011 19:17:40
Just started homeschooling my 8 yo daughter this week. Thank you for the encouragement as I attempt to train my child in the way (s)he should go...
KRISTEN G 01/29/2011 07:37:26
This devotional spoke to me as well. I am coming up on my 1 yr mark of homeschooling. And I still have fears and doubts creep up in my heart and mind. I strongly believe this is why there is that verse in the Bible about "renewing your mind". Think about it.....we are pouring God's love and grace into the children every day thru the Bible, character training, and their education and Satan HATES THAT! So we know we are doing the right thing by our children. If we weren't doing our calling and submitting to the Lord's will, we wouldn't have the constant attacks on our minds and hearts.
Angie W-----I hope you get this. Be encouraged! I have 4 kids too. 3 boys 10, 8, and 4, and a little girl 20 months. You can do it! I pulled them out of public school last year. I was so fed up with the constant testing, large classroom sizes, etc. etc. Even bullying! Just take one day at a time. I hear those voices too (you can't handle this, you're going to screw your kids up, blah blah blah) but I am doing it and I get stronger every day. Our family is so much closer. I know my kids so much better now. Sometimes I literally have to take 1 hour at a time. The 1:1 time with each kid is priceless. You will see fruits of your labor I promise!
Thanks AOP for these great devotionals. --Kristen G from Colorado
JACQUELINE W 01/31/2011 08:03:01
To Alida,
I have a mother-in-law who works for the school district in the city where she lives and she was very against pulling our children out of the school system and home schooling them. After the birth of our fifth child she came to visit and I showed her our curriculum and asked her to help one of the children with his work. I explained the support network we had and that each child had the same opportunities at home as they did in a school without GOD, even more because we are free to teach the Bible and God's holy word, and make each child accountable for his/her actions. Our children have said time and time again how they love home schooling, how they feel safe from mean children and bad actions, and free to talk about God and Jesus and read their Bibles throughout the day. My Mother-in-law still asks how things are going with school but she has warmed up to the idea and supports our choice for what we feel is best for our family. We are in our 3rd full year of home schooling and I have four children in school (ages 13, 12, 8, 7) and one 2-year-old at home with me. Do I still have days the devil puts fear in my heart and mind, of course! Have I ever had a day when I considered sending them all back to school and going back to work, sure. But I take quiet time and pray and ask God to make it all alright and we make it through the tough times. This is the toughest and most rewarding "job" I've ever had, and I'd hate to have to give it up. Good luck to you!
NEIL L 01/31/2011 13:44:54
How much talent is being suppressed because we're trying to force everyone into one shape?
Furthermore, the current school system is built for a world that doesn't exist anymore. Elementary schools and high schools are all working on getting your child into a University and a University is preparing people for a world that existed 50 years ago.
Graduating and getting a nice job is a mantra that doesn't work anymore. If people want to be successful in this modern world, they can't be educated in the world of yesterday. Literacy rates in the world are higher than they've ever been and that is something to be proud of.
But instead of using the successes of yesterday, why not pioneer the successes of tomorrow?
TRACEY S 02/03/2011 11:42:33
We, as parents, know our children better than any public school ever could. We know how they learn best and we have the time and interest to spend one on one time with them to make sure they\'re learning what they need to. Never let yourselves believe you can\'t homeschool. Who could be better for the job? The schools could really care less. YOU have a vested interest in their future. I\'m a rookie homeschool mom too. My daughter is half way through kindergarten. She material she is learning in her Horizons curriculum is way beyond what public school kids are learning in FIRST GRADE in our state. She loves God and sings praise songs during breaks in our school day. She wouldn\'t be allowed to do that in a public school. Her above grade level skills and love for God tell me all I need to know that homeschooling was the right choice and that I CAN do this....right through 12th grade!!
PATTI B 01/28/2012 05:25:17
This is so very true. Satan works so hard against people who are doing the Father\'s will. I would like to encourage anyone who is following God to listen to him and let him lead. I have home schooled now for 16 years. My oldest daughter started at the community college taking classes at 16 yrs. old. You can do this for free...at least you can in NC. At 16 she passed the Accuplacer, which was the entrance exam. She had almost completed her Associates degree when she entered the 4 year university. I spent so much time worrying if I was doing the right thing while I was raising my children. I did not have a college degree for about 10 years of teaching them. My oldest will graduate with a BS in Chemistry in May 2012. She will sit for her MCAT in May. She wants to be a doctor. I am so glad I continue to follow God.
The worries do not end after homeschooling they just change to a different subject. Now my husband and I are facing getting older and we watch older people being fired in the work place to be replaced by the young. Life is just plain scary. God has still been faithful to us as we face new challenges. When I was younger I thought life was a destiny or I was and still am goal minded. Now I think like is a journey and one that I would not want to take with the support of the Holy Sprit and Jesus. I pray that each homeschool family experience the love of God and grace to overcome fear in every area of their lives.I have a blog at pattibuffkin-wordpress.com I just started if you have questions post it to
one of my blogs and I will respond.
God Bless
SHERI C 01/28/2012 07:03:40
A K, Mark 17:12 says \"Give unto Caesar what is Caesars. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.\" Jesus was talking about taxes but I believe that He wants us to respect all state laws including registering our children for homeschooling. Even though I\'m a certified teacher I ended up with a supervising teacher assigned by the state. At first I grumbled but she turned out to be a wonderful lady and has been a blessing to me. She is full of encouragement and my children look foreward to her visits. She has helped me overcome any fear and doubts about my ability to homeschool my children. The Lord works in many ways.
ANGELA H 01/28/2012 07:36:19
Thank you so very much for this devotional. We have recently fully commited to homeschooling our children. (5yr,4yr, 20months) I have been plagued with doubts. In addition to having our 4th child due in august, we have absolutely no family support! This was very encouraging to see my exact thoughts put into words. I know it will be a constant battle but, I am reminded to keep our focus on God and His will...not the will of mankind!
KAREN C 01/28/2012 07:58:55
In homeschooling, like our walk with the Lord we will face many oppositions. We can all agree that we have found opposition keeps us moving forward. In opposition we keep pressing. It is a powerful motivator. Let those who will oppose us continue to do so. They will be our stepping stones to higher ground. They are the faces and the voices that will provoke us to stay in the fight. They are the cross that we must embrace. The cross that will one day turn into a crown!! Let them oppose us!! Thank God for them!!
CARRIE S 01/28/2012 10:48:30
Wow! I needed this devotional, as well as everyones comments and posts. I too was feeling the fear and like I couldn\'t do this for many reasons......kids super distractable this week, could use some more money, etc, etc..... Again, thank you!
MICHELLE R 01/28/2012 11:15:01
I love the encouragement from this site. My daughter and son are both in public school. I homeschooled my daughter in the past. She is where she needs to be but my sonI (9) I am not sure. I\'m waiting on God\'s answers. He has had stomach problems for a year and a half. He missed close to 50 days last year. He has been better this year but he is missing more and more school. Professionals christian included say that he has anxiety that adds to his stomach problems so he needs to face them by continuing to go to school, but I am not sure. He has always dealt with separation anxiety except in the first grade. He has fears of being away from me. My husband and I are praying what to do bring him home or continue to have him go to school. Even when he is home he has stomach pain and digestive issues. Praying for direction.
STEPHANIE P 01/28/2012 19:50:28
My son had the same issues. He had always had seperation anxiety since preschool. In the fifth grade we were told he had Cylic Vomiting, he would wake up every morning and throw up atleast three times and then I would have to send him off to school.
In Seventh grade, he came to us and asked if he could try online school. We were surprised because he loved school had lots of friends, played on the tennis team, attended all of the extra activities...and made perfect grades!! We decided to give it a try and to our surprise he was never sick from that day forward. I had never thought of anxiety as the issue. So glad we made the change but wish we would have known sooner.
Good Luck!!
Stephanie
CINDY H 01/28/2012 22:06:10
Wow I really needed this today!! Thanks for the encouragement this is a reminder that we need often. God bless you!
LINDSEY G 01/29/2012 07:18:46
And let\'s not forget Romans 8:15-17...God has delivered us from the obligation to be dictated by fear. Every time we fear, we can take this verse to Him in prayer and ask for Him to help us grow in our ability to rest in Jesus.
TAMARA S 02/01/2012 17:51:06
I\'m still getting myself together to homeschool next semester and isn\'t God good that He sent words of encouragement right now, when I wasn\'t feeling so sure of myself! Praise God, it\'ll all work for His glory.
TRACI R 02/10/2012 08:34:01
How can you discern the difference between fear of failing in our home school efforts and fear because we really are failing in out home school efforts. Yes Satan condemns us.....but what if it\'s not actually condemnation? Is it possible to really want to do this but just not be able to pull it off?
Sometimes I\'m not sure if I\'m failing and then rationalizing...
or succeeding in a way that is just way off from \"standardized education\"
Can anyone relate? I could use a mentor\'s advise....
Traci
ROSE C 04/26/2012 08:46:07
I am considering Homeschooling my children, I am very nervous and scared about this decision. It is one that will reflect a big role on my kids. One of my biggest things is, is the graduation. Is there any other way for them to get their actual diploma then to go and take a GED? I guess I am not understanding why go through school the same way and put all that money into this great education for them to just say they got a GED or that be the proof of their education, that would be clearly more valuable than that. I am not knocking people who get the GED, for that is what I have. I just want something to show the great accomplishment of such a great schooling program. Can someone show me some direction and give me some advise.
Loretta Bouche 01/28/2014 15:57:10
Have any of you considered the idea that public school teachers often go through the same thoughts, fears, and concerns? Even though they have all he credentials and background, nothing in teaching is so cut and dried. And they have 25 to 30 lives hanging on their actions and decisions. And many of them do not have God to back them up. That is part of the reason gov't is getting so involved in the classroom. You are the best thing going for your kids!! (Retired public school teacher now homeschool teacher)
Kimberly Kiner 01/29/2014 04:48:20
I'm so glad I read "Homeschool Fears." I am homeschooling my 8 year old and 5 year old (while caring for my busy 3 year old) and it can be challenging. Still, I love being here with my children and I truly believe in the work we do. I appreciate God for blessing us to homeschool as I can see the improvements my children have made educationally. Yet, sometimes I feel like I have to explain and explain our choice to others who disapprove of homeschooling. With the many problems some of our public schools have today (some we have personally experienced) one would think the decision to homeschool would be met with more support. I thank God for this post today. I feel encouraged to trust God and his leading our lives more than the judgmental opinions of others.