Articles

Fear Not!

The bible say 366 times to not be afraid. That is one for every day of the year including Leap Year! So why did the Lord chose that exact number to say basically the same thing? Well, since I don’t believe in coincidences, it may very well be because we need to hear it every single day. Fear is what paralyzes us from doing what our heart desires most. Almost all of our excuses can be linked back to fear.

I know as a parent I have a lot of fear. Fear of bringing my children into this world. Fear of not making the right choices. Fear of not providing for them. Fear of them not trusting in the Lord as their savior. Fear that they might not reach their full potential as a human being. Fear that they will stop loving me. With all this fear it is a wonder that we have children at all! Educating our children may actually add more fear to our lives. And when we first consider homeschooling? Well, talk about shaking in your boots! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Why do so many of us have fears in home educating? I hear from many parents who say, “I could never homeschool.” I always ask, “Why do you think that?” Usually their answer can be linked back to fear: “I’m not qualified to teach.” “My kids will miss out on something in public school.” “It’s different from the norm – what will people think?” “I don’t want to lose my self-time.” “What if I mess up my kids?” So they keep their kids in the public institution and we hear the stories of kids falling through the cracks no matter how much money is thrown at the system. But hey, at least they not missing out on anything – they are in the same boat with millions of other kids. You don’t have to concern yourself with whether or not you can teach because you never took the chance. And you don’t have to fear messing up your kids – the public school is capable of doing that for you. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

Once you start the journey in home educating, the fear still persists… check out any homeschool blog or chat room and you will hear many fears. “I’m still not qualified to teach my kids.” “My kids will miss out unless they are in tons of extra-curricular activities.” “We aren’t using the best curriculum.” “We aren’t doing it ‘right’ or maybe we should model after another family” (of course, that other family is thinking the same thing.) “Am I qualified to homeschool high school?” “What if my kids don’t get into college?” “What if my kids do get into college?” “What if I still mess up my kids?” Fear is what keeps us from doing what God desires for us and for our families. “And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Fear kept the other 11 disciples in the boat when Peter stepped out and walked on water (Matt. 14:25-33). Sure, he “noticed the wind” and started sinking. But Jesus was there for him and lifted him up. Can you expect Him to do the same in your life? Absolutely without a doubt. We get so focused on the fact that Peter tried and failed - but did he really? God’s grace is bigger than that and He will meet us where we are with what we need. He just asks that we trust in Him. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

John Ortberg in his book If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat says it well, “…every time you walk on the water, each time you trust God and seek to discern and obey His calling on your life, your God will get bigger, and your worship will grow deeper, richer, and stronger.” Hebrews 13:6 sums it up this way, “So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
The answer? Nothing.


*** Disclaimer - Please keep in mind that these are only my opinions involving my personal experience with public school. I believe that God will bless your decision whether to homeschool, public or private school your kids as long as you are seeking His will for your life and those of your children. I realize that He convicts each of us in different ways. The purpose of this article is to show that when we are following God's desire in our lives, we need not be afraid. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6