Biblical Reasons Why We Homeschool

I became a Christian in July of 1993. I wondered at how God could ever use me so that my life would glorify the Lord and what plans He had for me. Less than a year later I first learned that my husband and I were expecting our first child. I never imagined that God would call me to homeschool our family. Homeschooling is the path that my life has taken for the past eight years and as it turns out was His ultimate plan.

The first Bible verse that I had committed to memory was Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" I never thought that I could ever be used by God.

My son attended preschool at the ages of two and three. We were blessed at this time with the birth of a second son and off to preschool we would go with baby in tow. I had goals for my family that school didn't seem to fit into, but I didn't believe that I could effectively educate my family at home. Even at the tender of three years old I found myself undoing much of what my son had been learning; the habits, the language, the behavior that I just didn't approve of for my young family.

I was spending a great deal of time retraining and removing the negative aspects of school. I didn't see how I could impart upon my children the importance of obeying their parents unless I was with them throughout their daily life. Not all families have this challenge, and I am not suggesting in any way that homeschooling is the right choice for everyone, this is just how we arrived at our family decision to do so.

I had a deep desire for my children to love the Lord their God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. It was my hope that Jesus would become real to my boys and as familiar as a friend. I prayed that my boys would come to the Lord as the children in Matthew 19:14 and call upon His name and be saved, Romans 10:9. I prayed that Jesus would reign in our hearts and our daily lives.

After prayerful consideration the desire to homeschool was very strong. Our son's preschool "graduation" was his exit from the traditional schoolroom. We began homeschooling our oldest in Pre-K and a third son was added to our family. My husband and I planned to take it a year at a time. We began teaching from God's Word, incorporating prayer in our school day and teaching with a Biblical worldview while providing and developing Godly friendships with likeminded families. Not having a local Christian school to enroll our children in made homeschooling a good choice for us. Having a means of education that included our faith was a wonderful thing. As my boys became older I realized the added benefit of designing their education to their personal learning styles.

It hasn't been an easy choice, we have had our difficult days to be sure, but it has been a worthwhile decision and one that I would make all over again.

Our oldest is now beginning his high school education at home and planning for college and his future. Homeschooling has led us to trust fully and lean upon God for guidance, wisdom, hope and strength. We have seen first hand the promise God has made that with Him all things are possible.

We began with a desire to obey God in all things, a dedication to train up our children in the way that they should go and a determination to walk in His ways.

I have had my days of doubt, I am not always as patient as I would like to be. Without Jesus as the Savior and Lord of my life I could never had attempted homeschooling let alone see it through to completion. It is my prayer that just as I sought God's will and direction for my life and family that you will be blessed also as you consider homeschooling for your family.