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. 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