0:00
Hey friends, welcome to week 17 of the homeschool prayer challenge
0:04
I am really glad you're here. We began this challenge in January, praying for a new area of our homeschools and homeschooling
0:12
each week, and I can't believe we are almost ready to end this current year, this current
0:19
homeschool year. Now, if you are watching this video at a later date, maybe you're at a different point in
0:23
your homeschool year, and that's fine because you can join in on this challenge at any time
0:29
But today we are going to be praying about finishing our homeschool year strong
0:34
And even if you are at a different place in your year, I hope you will still be encouraged
0:43
I remember as a little kid, always being excited for the first day of school
0:47
I loved shopping for new school supplies, seeing friends again and meeting new teachers
0:53
Even now as a homeschool mom, I love the beginning of the new school year
0:58
New supplies, new opportunities, approaches, new mindset, and let's not forget new curriculum
1:05
If you guys have watched my recent videos, you know how I get excited about new curriculum
1:10
Now, I wish I could say that I finished the school year with the same level of enthusiasm
1:17
Instead, by the time April and May roll around, I often feel stretched thin and ready for
1:22
a break, just ready for the school year to be over. And although I love and am committed to homeschooling, my perspective and weariness at the end of
1:31
the year can begin to negatively impact our homeschool if I'm not careful
1:35
As I was thinking about this topic this week, Philippians 1.6 came to mind
1:39
This verse reads, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will
1:44
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Now obviously this verse is not talking about us completing all of our homeschool curriculum
1:54
by summer. There are a couple of different viewpoints on it that I found, but many scholars agree
1:59
that the good work being carried to completion here is talking about our sanctification and
2:05
the assurance that our salvation is secure because God will finish what he started in us
2:12
When he wrote the book of Philippians, Paul was most likely in prison, yet the theme of
2:16
this letter to the Philippian Christians is centered around joy and encouragement
2:21
Why was Paul joyful? Because work was being done to share the gospel and spread the gospel, even though he was
2:26
in jail. And what was he encouraging people? To continue to show Christ to others and live as Jesus would live with confidence that Christ's
2:37
sanctifying work in them would be completed one day. This should comfort and encourage us moms, because as we live out our lives, as we homeschool
2:45
our kids from the first day of the school year to the last day of the school year and
2:49
beyond, God has begun a work in us. Every day he is working to conform us more and more to the image of Jesus, and he will
2:59
bring this work to completion. This should change us, change how we live and how we homeschool our kids, because he
3:05
is working right now, right now. He is using circumstances in your life to make you, to make all of us more like Jesus
3:13
So in response to this, let's finish this homeschool year strong. Pray for the work the Lord has for you today, that he would continue to sanctify you through
3:21
your homeschooling efforts, and that he would give you the strength to finish this year
3:25
with enthusiasm, grace, and love. That he would transform your thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions
3:33
Continue to pray this until that day of completion and have the confidence he will do it
3:38
Finish strong by resting in God's faithful hands, remembering that the work we are doing
3:42
for Christ in our homeschools will have eternal impact. Let me pray for us
3:47
Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end
3:51
Thank you for being with us this entire year, for giving me confidence and hope in your presence
3:57
You have fearfully and wonderfully made and trusted me with my kids, and I know you will
4:02
bring completion to the good work you begin in us. Lord, there is nothing I can do to sanctify myself or my kids
4:09
The truth, your word alone can do this. I pray that you would transform us daily into your image
4:15
May the Holy Spirit guide us in our words and actions, that our lives will impact others
4:20
and bring glory to you. Give us strength to finish our homeschool year with love and grace
4:25
After all the work we've put in this year, I am most grateful for your work in our lives
4:30
Bless my kids, give them a saving faith in you, discerning hearts and love that abounds
4:35
more and more each and every day. In Jesus' name I pray, amen
4:41
Okay friends, that's it for this week. Head to the homeschool prayer challenge dashboard to grab your printable prayer for the week
4:47
and drop a comment below to let me know how I can be praying for you this week. I would love the opportunity to do so
4:53
I will see you next week
