Finding Faith: Practical Steps When God’s Call Feels Overwhelming
There is one thing I wish I knew at the beginning of my homeschooling journey. I didn’t, and learned it through experience. So, friend, I’m here to tell you now. Finding faith and knowing which practical steps to take when God’s call feels overwhelming is essential in discernment.
I was not in the place to jump on His idea when the thought of homeschooling first entered my mind. The pits of postpartum depression were real with my second baby. I had just given my life to Jesus, and my husband was deployed to the Middle East. The timing was not ideal.
But God.
God placed the right people in my life to support, encourage, and inspire me to take a leap of faith and follow His lead. Trust me, God’s calling can sometimes feel like a beautiful but heavy burden. From the financial strain to the many sacrifices that must be made to make this lifestyle work, it’s hard!
Maybe your specific calling isn’t to homeschool, but to start a new career or a home bakery. Whatever God is calling you to do, let me assure you that by following these practical steps, you can thrive while following God’s lead!
Ground Yourself with Prayer and Reflection
Pray before all else. Start each day by grounding yourself in prayer and quiet reflection. My entire day feels off if I don’t wake up and spend time with the Lord before my kids are awake. It’s essential for me to begin the day grounded and focused on what God has in store for me.
Speak to God openly about your feelings and overwhelm. He will listen. Pray for discernment among your circumstances, and ask Him to guide your path while giving you the necessary obedience to follow faithfully.
Journaling your prayers or thoughts can help you see a clearer picture of His will for your life.
Practical Step: Overcoming Overwhelm by Finding Faith
Set aside a special time each morning or evening for prayer and journaling. Use the time before your kids wake for the day or after they are in bed at night. This quiet time can be a source of strength and clarity in your busy day.
Break Down the Calling into Manageable Steps
I was terrified when it became clear that homeschooling was what God wanted from me. College was something I had no interest in after high school, and I was a solo parent due to my husband’s military absence. My mental health was in the dumps. It was the first faith journey of my life, and when I thought I was beginning to figure things out. BAM! Here comes God with His grand plan.
How often have you felt in control, and God showed up and shuffled things around? When this happens, do you listen when God calls you to act? A high calling can seem daunting when looked at as one giant leap.
Instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture, break it down into small, actionable steps. Focus on one aspect at a time, gradually building on each accomplishment.
Once you discern what God is asking of you, create a flexible schedule or task list that fits around your homeschooling goals and routines. Integrate small daily or weekly tasks that move you closer to fulfilling God’s plan. Before you know it, you will feel fulfilled in more ways than you once imagined.
Seek Wise Counsel and Fellowship
Dependence on people has never been my strong suit. That may be why I moved across the country at twenty without thinking twice or looking back. Once I became a Christian, though, I realized the importance of community and fellowship. When we open ourselves up to others, we are enabling the Lord to bless them through us and open up our lives to His blessings through them.
Surround yourself with trusted mentors, friends, or church community members who have experience in following a high calling. Their insight can guide you through times of uncertainty and doubt.
Practical Application: Building Community When God's Call Feels Overwhelming
Join a Christian-based organization. Trail Life USA is an excellent organization for boys to get outdoors and adventure while learning about the importance of leadership. This group goes on camping trips and hikes and teaches lifelong and necessary skills to boys.
Don’t have boys? Don’t worry! American Heritage Girls is a girl’s version of the same type of Christ-centered community! Through this group, girls learn the value of faith and service while having fun!
And a plus for you, maybe you’ll meet some other Christian homeschooling moms in the process. I know I have!
Trust in God's Timing and Provisions
Recognize that God works on His timing and not ours. Consider for a moment the calling of the first disciples. Imagine being Simon Peter and Andrew, lifelong fishermen, being called to leave their nets and follow Jesus.
No warning.
No explanation.
Just faith.
Remember that God’s timing is perfect and He will provide the resources needed. Trust that even with limited resources, your faithfulness and obedience will pave the way for miraculous provision. Remember that God only reveals what He wishes, not what we wish of Him. God’s revelations for your life will be made known in His timing.
Stop pleading for answers. Answers will come. In His time.
Practical Application: Practice Gratitude Amid God's Calling
Practicing gratitude amid God’s calling transforms homeschooling challenges into blessings. As a mom, pausing to thank God for small victories and His guidance fosters faith. This gratitude nurtures resilience, creates a loving learning environment, and models trust in God for your children. These simple gratitude steps can enrich your entire family’s spiritual journey.
Embrace Your Unique Circumstances
Finding faith and knowing which practical steps to take when God’s call feels overwhelming is not an easy task. Recognizing and accepting that your role as a homeschooling mom is essential to God’s plan. As a mother, you are the heart of your home, and your family wouldn’t be the same without you in it.
Embrace your unique circumstances as opportunities for creative solutions and deeper reliance on God.
Not all homeschooling days are easy. There are going to be days of overwhelm, doubt, and frustration. When these happen, and we can learn to rely on God through these times, we build resilience and determination. As we embrace our circumstances, our days get more manageable, and our mission becomes apparent.
Practice Self-Care and Celebrate Small Victories
Taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of your home. Now, please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying here. I do not recommend spending hundreds at a spa or getting your nails done each week. Let’s be honest—many homeschoolers live on one income, so unnecessary spending simply isn’t practical. I’m talking about learning to recognize the small things you can do for yourself daily.
My mother-in-law is one of the most incredible women I know. She raised six wonderful children and has many words of wisdom regarding motherhood and life. Something she once said stood out so clearly that I still think of it today.
When she was visiting us to help during the birth of our second child, I remember being so overwhelmed with breastfeeding and sleeplessness. I was stressed about my nonverbal toddler, and the hopelessness had begun to set in. I remember her brushing my hair from my face and softly telling me, “Don’t forget to take moments for yourself.”
Moments.
In a world that is so self-serving, we tend to forget that sometimes, all it takes to feel fulfilled is simple moments. We don’t need spa days or vacations, though they are both lovely. All we need are moments to ourselves, where we can feel the Lord’s presence amid the calm of our hearts. When we experience those quiet, peaceful moments with our God, He energizes us enough to press on.
To sustain the energy needed for a high calling, we must celebrate the small victories and embrace the quiet moments along the way.
Finding Faith When God's Call Feels Overwhelming
Embracing a calling that feels too great is a journey of faith, community, and practical wisdom. It isn’t easy. But, by grounding yourself in prayer, seeking guidance, and breaking down the journey into attainable steps, you can move forward with confidence in the plan God has in store for you.
Adapting these steps to your life as a homeschooling mom or one-income family may not look the same for everyone, but learn to trust that God’s plan always fits perfectly with your circumstances. Learn to embrace God’s timing, and allow your life to radiate the love and warmth that come from following His high calling.
When you follow His path, you will know.
If you think you may want to homeschool, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, check out this post.
How have you followed God’s call on your life, lately?
