"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path" (Psalm 142:3a).
You know the picture. Your child is sitting at the kitchen table, staring out the window with workbooks and other schoolwork scattered around him in a semi-circle two inches deep. He has multiple units he's working on, and you know he can't move on until he finishes what's before him. In addition, he needs to study for upcoming quizzes and tests. As you remind him that he is falling behind, you can see despair shutting down his mind.
As he sits there looking forlorn, you gave him a hug and say, "Is there something I can help you with to get started?"
Nehemiah must have felt like your child as he stood surveying the huge task ahead of him. Looking at the rubble of Jerusalem's walls that stretched for miles, I'm sure he must have wondered where and how to start (Nehemiah 1-2). Fortunately, Nehemiah had prepared his work with prayer, and God answered by helping him begin. Moving King Artaxerxes to offer his support, Nehemiah left his cupbearer job in Shushan and returned to Jerusalem to rally the people. God also encouraged the hearts of the Jews who were living there to repair each gate and rebuild every stone that had been torn down. In just 52 short days, Nehemiah and the people repaired the walls that had been lying in waste for 70 years.
As a parent of a distance learning student, you too may feel like you're facing too many "assignments" in your life. Cleaning, cooking, jobs, and teaching leave little time for spare moments. Every task seems important, so where do you begin? If you're feeling overwhelmed under the weight of your responsibilities, learn the lesson God taught Nehemiah. Pray for strength and wisdom, pick your task, and just start working. This is the same thing you can teach your child! You'll be amazed at what you both can accomplish when the Lord is in it.
Lord, Your Word says in Ephesians 1:19-20 that the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to those who believe. Father, I claim Your promise and ask that You empower me today to accomplish every task You have given to me. In Jesus' name, Amen.