Over My Head
Posted in Daily Focus on Friday, May 30, 2014
"For without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5b).
As I watched my daughter practice the piano, I knew I had made another mistake as a homeschooling parent. Assuming my limited experience with a few childhood piano lessons was enough to guide me, I began to teach my daughter how to play. However, the more we continued in my daughter's new interest, the more I realized my inadequacies as a proper piano instructor. Motivated by pride and a lack of finances to hire a qualified teacher, I continued teaching until my young daughter stopped playing and asked, "Mom, do you really know what I'm supposed to be doing?"
Surprised that she saw the problem more clearly than me, I humbly replied, "No, honey. I think we're going to need extra help to learn how to play the piano correctly."
The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, had a similar experience in Acts 19:11-17. As Jewish exorcists, they foolishly thought they could cast out demons by simply copying the work of the apostle Paul. Without experiencing the transforming power of Christ in their own lives, they attempted to rebuke a demon living in a man saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth" (vs. 13b). Mocking their attempt to cast it out, the evil spirit replied, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye" (vs.15b)? Overpowering the Jewish exorcists, the man with the evil spirit beat them up and chased them out of the house.
If you're experiencing defeat in your teaching, chances are you may be in over your head. As a homeschooling parent, don't make the foolish assumption that you alone must teach everything to your children. Instead of hoping for the best or faking it as you teach in your own strength, ask your heavenly Father where to find the help you need. "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your [homeschooling] joy may be full" (John 16:24b).
Father, forgive me for thinking I can homeschool in my own strength. Show me when and where to get the help I need to raise my children in Your perfect will. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Comments(6 comments)
LAURA L 05/30/2009 06:43:57
Sometimes I am so self-reliant: home hair cuts, painting lessons, piano lessons, etc... I forget to ask when the subjects begin to leave me in the dust. It may become critical this math year. Thanks for the reminder to ask for(and admit the need for) help. I don't have to "do it all" and be super mom. Thanks, -Laura
Sally J 05/31/2010 10:18:47
This was one of the most beneficial of all the "Daily Focus" devotionals.... when over my head (it seems frequently), ask Him and admit the need for HELP.
LENELLA M 05/29/2012 05:13:29
Amen!
KATHY S 05/29/2012 05:54:53
I definatley am not a great Math teacher. The rest of the subjects are fine. So this year, I believe AOP has a dvd or computor based Math curriculum, and I will be purchsing to help make our lives a little easier.
Thanks for reminding me I do need help!
JULIE H 05/29/2012 06:27:00
I was struggling with this exact issue last week and God showed me I needed to ask for help. I try to do so much on my own but need to learn to lean on the Lord. In 2 chronicles 20, The king gives an amazing example of looking to the Lord the people say, "we don't know what to do but our eyes are on you." I love this, I need to seek the Lords guidance more and more in my life.
TABITHA J 05/29/2012 07:37:21
Lately, my husband has a hard time understanding that I can't do everything, such as work outside the home full time and be a full time housewife, I told him that I can do one or the other, just not both. As for homeschooling our future kids, we are on the same page, just need to find a curriculum that is affordable, help to meet the state requirements (Illinois require civics and economics/consumer education for high school), and that the kids can use on their own.