The Power of Abundance Thinking in Homeschooling

The Widow with the Bottle of Oil
As this school year comes to a close, I'm reminded of the woman in 2 Kings 4:1-7 A prophet's widow came to Elisha because she was struggling financially. She was about to lose everything, including her sons. So she turned to Elisha for help.
Elisha asked, "What do you have in your house?" She responded “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil”  (New International Version, 2011).
She felt poor and thought she didn't have much to offer. She minimized what she did have as "nothing". The story is an excellent example of how God takes what we have - what we call "nothing" and turns it into something amazing.
Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few" (New International Version, 2011).
Once she started pouring, the oil continued to flow and filled all of the vessels.  
Homeschool Parents: Be Encouraged!
God uses what we have. He doesn't ask us to be everything or have everything we need. He uses what we have and does way more than we could ever imagine.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"  (New International Version, 2011).
Many homeschool parents feel unequipped and underqualified. I can't count the number of times I wondered, If we could do this another year. Was I smart enough? Was I patient enough? Did I have enough time? Would the kids listen to me? Without God, the answer to all of those questions was "no". He took the little patience time and education I had and turned it into something beautiful.

Don't let the enemy convince you to focus on your lack. Scarcity thinking does not come from God. Don't look at what you have left and think you are all poured out. You do still have more to give because God will give it to you. God takes what we have and turns it into something amazing.

What Does This Mean for Homeschooling?

Homeschooling can be challenging, but remember that God is with you every step of the way. He knows what your children need and will give you the wisdom and patience to teach them. Don't worry about not being enough or not having enough. God's got you. Keep learning, keep growing, keep moving forward. Your kids are watching you and learning to trust God in the tough seasons by seeing you do it.
3 ways to apply abundance thinking.

1. Start with what you have. Use the resources available to you, whether it's textbooks, online classes, or co-ops. You don't need to buy every curriculum or gadget on the market. Focus on what works for your family.
2. When you feel like your time, energy and patience is running thin, ask for help. Just like the woman with the bottle of oil, you can glean from others. Reach out to other homeschool families. There are parents who have been on the homeschool journey longer and are happy to share wisdom and experience.
3. Trust God with the results. You may not see the fruits of your labor right away, but trust that God is working behind the scenes. He will use your efforts to shape your children into the people He wants them to be. Remember, their hearts are more important than their grades.

Conclusion
As you close out another school year, remember that God doesn't require perfection from you. He just wants you to offer what you have and trust Him for the outcome. Homeschooling can seem overwhelming at times, but take heart! God has a plan for your family, and He will provide everything you need.
Isaiah 64:8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand" (New International Version, 2011).
Points to Ponder

• What should homeschool parents do when we feel inadequate?

We can remember that God uses what we have and uses it for His glory. Don't focus on what you lack but on what you can offer, and trust God to take that and create "more than we we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (New International Version, 2011).

• How can homeschool parents apply the lesson of the woman with the bottle of oil to homeschooling?

We can start with what we have, ask for help when needed, and trust God for the results.

• What should homeschool parents do when we feel discouraged?

We should remember that God is with them and will provide everything we need. We can also reach out to other homeschool parents for support and encouragement.
Resources
Resources available at Online Homeschool Bookstore
Classes available at One Day Academy

​References:
New International Version. (2011). BibleGateway.com. http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/
New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist
Christian Life Austin, 05/21/2023, Sunday Live Worship Experience, "YouTube,"