2 Sam 10:9-14 describes Joab (David’s nephew) readying Israel’s army to battle the Ammonites & the Syrians simultaneously. Joab splits the army under himself and his brother Abishai, then he says this: “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to Him.” What a remarkable attitude. What if everywhere we went we were of good courage, showed that courage on behalf of God’s people, and were content leaving the results to the LORD God. What if we stopped trying to control the outcome everywhere and simply lived as He would have us to live, going where He led and doing what He showed us to do with all our might, and quit worrying about the results. What kind of difference would it make to stop thinking about how things turn out, trying to control circumstances, and only thinking of how to walk in the way GOD wants, leaving all the results up to Him?
As parents, what could this mean for us? If we prayerfully have come to the conclusion that we are to homeschool, let’s say, how many of us are tempted to talk about the “what if” scenarios ad nauseum, to our spouses, to other moms/dads, even with our children? When we allow ourselves to become preoccupied with the “what ifs” continually, it is like walking backward; yes, you can see where you have been but your direction is probably terrible and no doubt you will at some point run into something insurmountable! Instead, why don’t we face forward, confident that He who called us is the same One who will equip us! Walking by faith is not walking backward; it is walking directly, without turning to the left or the right, straight into what God has asked. And then let’s say, “may the LORD do what seems good to Him.” Really. Because isn’t the center of His Will and His Plan really where you want to dwell? You will probably be amazed at the depth and breadth of His Plan for you and for your children, if you will just stop nagging at the details and the negative possibilities. Put on that armor of God, including the shield of faith, remember WHO you serve, and walk straight ahead into what He has planned. It is way bigger than you would have dreamed, and it will be the perfect things for you and your children.
In beginning this fresh school year, no matter what the educational choice is that God has led you into for your children, set your face toward that direction, pray pray pray to make sure you stay in that direction, and “may the LORD do what seems good to Him.”