Conquering Fear

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" -Matthew 14:30

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Every mother is a teacher. I was no exception. God used me to teach our baby how to eat with a spoon, say words, play catch and dress herself. Daily, I taught our little one everything she needed to know to succeed at home. Then the school years arrived, and I doubted if I would be able to teach her everything she needed to know to succeed in school. I wanted to homeschool, but people intimidated me about obeying God's call to homeschool. When they said, "You're not smart enough to teach your child," I was tempted to believe them. After all, I didn't have a four-year college degree. Disregarding their comments, however, I decided to relinquish my fears and trust Christ for the wisdom and knowledge necessary to continue teaching my child at home.

Fear is a successful tactic Satan uses to make Christians disregard God's call on their lives. It causes them to doubt God's love and provision, even though they started out strong in their faith. The inspiration given by Jesus to walk on the water is lost, and like Peter, believers find themselves sinking under the waves.

Are the waves of opposition getting high and beating fear into your decision to homeschool? If you've been walking on "water" and experiencing God's blessings in teaching your child at home, don't look down now. Keep your eyes on Jesus and cry out like Peter, "Lord, save me!" Jesus knows what you need, and you can trust him to offer his loving hand to  lift you to safely. After all, hasn't he been right there with you as you've taught your child from the very beginning?

-from The Homeschool Mom's Bible; devotions by Janet Tatman; February 27; p. 238