Jesus tried to teach and heal in His hometown but ended up accomplishing very little because of their "lack of faith" in Him (Mark 6:6). So, He and the disciples left and continued to travel to other villages and towns where Jesus healed, taught, and did many miracles. He could have tried to stay at home and put all His effort into convincing everyone that He really was God's Son, but that was not what God called Him to do. Jesus knew that He must do the will of the Father...and that is exactly what we must do. Caring for and instructing our children in the way of the Lord is our primary calling as parents. If you feel that God has called you to home school because that is what is best for your children, then you must do it with all your heart regardless of what others (even your parents) may say to you.

So I encourage you, home school parents, to stand in the face of adversity, beaming with the confident love of Christ and commitment to Him. Trials will come. You will encounter opposition and criticism from those you love and trust. And it will likely hurt your feelings. But Jesus showed us the way to act when those closest to you have abandoned you. Love them, inform them, and try to show them what you're doing is true and just. But if they will not believe you, then for your sake, your children's sake, and for the cause of Christ you must move on and keep about the Father's task to which He has assigned you.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)

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Gary Chevalier is the father of two darling girls, husband of an amazing wife, and a devoted home school dad. A Worship Pastor for over 10 years, Gary has now begun to pass on what he has learned as a freelance writer/speaker and worship consultant. Comments, stories, encouragement, and/or inquiries can be emailed to gchevalier@texasairnet.com.