Running the Race...

Today I wanted to share some thoughts from one of last year's WW: Running the Race!

"…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
(Heb 12:1-2 NKJV)

Well, most of us have crossed the finish line of another year. Many of you, I'm sure, are graduating sons and daughters as well. What an accomplishment—for them…and for you!

Maybe you haven't thought if it this way, but every homeschooling family is in a race. Not a race of speed, ability or performance—simply a race of endurance. Yes, performance matters, and there is a pace we strive to follow; but homeschool winners are not determined by these things. Winners are those who reach their finish line and "receive the prize" of God's pleasure and the personal satisfaction of knowing we made it.

Perhaps you didn't make the progress you hoped this year. Sometimes we start off running, and then something slows us down. It could be a health challenge, a move, a discouraging comment from a friend, or we just get tired. It's like Paul says to the Galatians: "You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth?" (Gal 5:7).

Remember our race is not about speed or ability. It's about the will to finish. God is not standing at the finish with a stopwatch! He isn't monitoring your math progress, your success rate at science experiments, how well your children memorize scripture! He is standing by, waiting for you when you need Him. He knows your own strength will give out and you will cry out in desperation for His strength. When we do call on Him, He promises we will "run and not grow weary" or "walk and not faint."

I am so thankful that God doesn't leave us to run the race in our own strength...because if He did I would have been disqualified a long time ago. I would have gotten off course, and probably quit. Thank God He is right beside us all the way--have a blessed day!!