What did I get myself into?
Will my kids ever get it?
Is this the right curriculum?
I can’t do this!
Should I really be homeschooling?
Are we going to make it through today, let alone a school year?

Whether you’re a new homeschool parent or a veteran one, doubts and anxieties lurk along the homeschool path. Sometimes they raise their ugly heads at the beginning of the year, sometimes during the year. Nervousness and anxiety are no strangers to me, even though I’m into my seventh year of homeschooling.

Some of us may have already begun our school year, others may just be starting. Wherever you are in your homeschool year, God’s Word offers eternal promises to strengthen us on this journey.

God is faithful. I homeschool out of obedience to what my husband and I believe God has called us to do. As I obey God’s calling, He will be faithful to empower me to complete this task. He will daily give me what I need. When the going gets tough, He is faithful to give me the grace and help I need. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24; NIV).

He is my strength. After six years of homeschooling, I am more aware than ever of my inadequacies to successfully teach my children all they need to know—academically, morally, emotionally and spiritually. But as I depend on Him, and find in Him my Source, He will give me the strength and wisdom I need. The secret is in trusting Him. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13; NIV).

He is with me. I’m not alone on this journey. God has called me to this path, and He walks beside me each step of the way. When I stumble and fall, He picks me up, steadies my feet and continues to walk beside me. When I am overwhelmed with the responsibility of my children’s education, He gently reminds me that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10; NIV).

His grace is sufficient for me. Homeschooling has many blessings, but it also has difficult moments that sometimes morph into difficult days. On the days when the “block” hits, and nothing I seem to do or say makes any sense to my daughter; when I wonder if she’ll ever get pre-Algebra; or when I’m so exhausted because my toddler doesn’t like to nap, God’s grace is enough for me. As I go to Him, exhausted and empty, He will replenish me to serve my family. “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9; NIV).

May the One who called you, strengthen and empower you during this homeschool year.