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Q -
I really believe God has called me to homeschool our children, but my husband is not on board. I really do not want our children to attend the public school (or go to a charter or magnet school), and we cannot afford to send them to a private Christian school. What do I do?
A -
I firmly believe God’s Word is true and God knows best. With this in mind, the first factor to consider is that God has appointed husbands as leaders over their families (see Ephesians 5:22-39). Therefore, while you and your husband are not seeing eye-to-eye (or heart-to-heart) on this matter, I urge you to submit to your husband’s lead. Trying to usurp your husband’s leadership will only add an unnecessary amount of angst to the situation.
Next, keep in mind that when God gives us a “vision” or a Godly desire, He does not necessarily intend for that vision or desire to come to fruition right this second. One lesson the Lord loves for us to learn (and re-learn again and again if necessary) is that of patience. After all, patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). So, if the desire to homeschool has been placed on your heart by God, trust Him to bring it to reality in His due time (Proverbs 3:5, 6).
While you are awaiting God’s timing, there are steps you can take to help your husband see the Godliness of your vision/desire. First, pray! (Philippians 4:4-7) Second, if your children are currently in a public school, start homeschooling them part-time when you do have them (before and/or after public school hours, during public school breaks, on weekends, during vacations, etc.). If your children are too young to attend formal school right now, it is never too early to start teaching them at home. Show both your husband and your children that you are excited to create ways to engage your children in their learning. Take your children on some educational field trips now to show both them and your husband that learning is more than just doing lessons at a school desk. In other words, actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate the value of homeschooling to your husband and children by beginning part-time.