I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14
Homeschooling mothers face a test of endurance on a daily, if not hourly, basis. This moment by moment test requires on-the-job training. Before embarking on this arduous task, we must realize that endurance training is designed to develop the internal strength, so that we are able to spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally complete the overwhelming task placed before us. To endure is to have the ability to suffer pain, distress, hardship, or stress of any kind without succumbing. Just as a marathon tests a runner’s endurance, the task of homeschooling tests the measure of our endurance.
One of our strongest motivations for completing the task that Jesus has called us to, when He called us to homeschool our children, should be the anticipation of the acquisition of the prize. Our eyes and hearts should focus not only on the earthly prize that we will receive when we have completed our homeschooling journey, but also on our heavenly rewards that we will reap from keeping our eyes fixed on the goal that God set before us. We must consistently press toward the mark of completion. We must set our eyes, minds and spirits on that one goal.
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. – Hebrews 12:1-2
The Greek word for “endure” is Hupomeno, which means “to remain, abide, not recede or flee; to preserve: through misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ; bear up, to endure courageously and trustfully.” If Jesus could endure the pain, humiliation and suffering of the cross, then we, too, should abide and endure courageously, while trusting in God and His plan for us and each of our children.
Believe it or not, this homeschooling marathon has already been marked out for each of us by Jesus. He designed the race with each individual in mind. All we have to do is be willing to run and endure the course. If Jesus courageously and trustfully endured the cross for the joy set before Him, then we should endure this work we have yet to do in order to realize the joy that we and our children have in store!
All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and will be obedient. – Exodus 24:7
Love the use of the Greek
“The Greek word for “endure” is Hupomeno, which means “to remain, abide, not recede or flee; to preserve: through misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ; bear up, to endure courageously and trustfully.”
Just beautiful!