Masterpiece
- Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
- Aug 13, 2018
- 4 min read
“Everything written long ago was written to teach us so that we would have confidence through the endurance and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.” -Romans 15:4
I was led to this chapter. I literally felt like my soul was just drinking each verse as if I couldn’t get enough. Each verse, so meaningful to me. I asked GOD, “GOD, each verse is so filled with powerful meaning to me this morning. Which verse do you want me to write about?” I felt HIS SPIRIT say, “Verse 4!”
So then, what’s so special about verse 4? Well, first of all, every single verse and word is GOD’S Word. All is special. What’s so special about verse 4, specifically? I believe we need to be reminded the treasures that are found in this verse. Let’s look at it together.
It starts off by saying, “Everything written long ago was written to teach us...” GOD didn’t just create us without having a plan of action to teach us. The best way I can describe this is by using the example of me homeschooling my kids.
I have a plan for teaching two children, in two different grades. My kids are 6 years apart, you can understand the lessons and work required is so very different. While my 6 year old was learning how to add and subtract, and my 12 year old was learning, “rational and irrational numbers found in real life situations including the irrational numbers Pi and the square root of 2. They describe the meanings of rational and irrational numbers using physical or graphical displays. Learning about relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages,” Seventh grade math.
Yes, this what I had to teach. Math is a nightmare for me and for my son. I use this as an example for two reasons;
1. I had to prepare what was necessary for my children to be successful in their academic careers and for life itself. You see, GOD did this for us, too. HE gave HIS Word to teach us how to live a life of victory and success here on planet Earth. It is up to us to study HIS Word. HIS Word has power to break every chain of hopelessness, sin, greed, hate, anger, addictions, and any kind of oppression and depression. It teaches how to live lives of total victory and happiness.
We get to decide what “grade we’re in.” It took time to get Justin to 7th grade and beyond. The lessons were tailored for his age and he couldn’t skip anything in math. Neither can you and I skip in GOD’s Word. Math has to be taught in steps. You understand? I had to teach geometry, physics, calculus, and the rest of them. Are you hearing me today? It’s up to you how much you want to learn. Justin hated math; it was a huge struggle. However, he had to learn it to continue his education. Friends, it’s the same for us. We can’t get to the next level without learning the first.
2. Second part of this verse goes on to say, “So that we would have confidence through the endurance and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.” GOD is teaching us so that we would have confidence. Confidence in what? Confidence in HIM. He is trustworthy, and we can believe HIM.
Endurance for what? We must have the courage to keep going, the patience to continue waiting, the strength to endure anything and everything that comes our way, and the diligence to work to see the good work GOD started in us will continue and bring forth the good fruit. We must have what I call the, “Staying power!” Staying power means we don’t quit. We don’t give up. We must be tenacious about what we know is ours, our destiny, and go after it with all our strength, power, and might.
God ends this passage with the word, “encouragement.” You know what? Hear me now, please. It’s during the encouraging times, HIS inspirations come. Yes, GOD, and thank you, GOD. This is my, “Wow” moment. I can 100% tell you, all my inspirations have come forth after reading HIS Word and praying. You have read many of my blogs, and I always say, “GOD led me or told me.” This is my reason for all my successes. They can be yours, too.
Friends, today, park on this passage. Let the HOLY SPIRIT of the Living GOD speak to you HIS truth. Let HIM teach you through HIS Word. Come to the water of life and let HIM saturate your thirsty and dry soul. Be teachable so you can go to your next level. Is it hard? Absolutely, and at times feels so excruciating. But, every teacher teaches to make the student knowledgeable for their own good. I teach and promote education as my career, I fully understand without it, you will not be able to succeed in life. You can’t be set free and live a meaningful and a full purposeful life without knowing GOD’s Word. HE knows it, too, that’s why this verse is in here.
I’m excited for you and for me because GOD is teaching us how to have confidence in HIM. HE never fails us, but we have something to do, too. I can’t pass my kids to their next level if they refuse to study. When the tests come, they will fail. It’s the same with us. We will absolutely fail if we don’t know the Word of GOD and practice it. I’m not an easy teacher. I push beyond the limits cause I know my kids are incredibly intelligent. They didn’t come that way. They were born with a brain, but someone needed to teach them. I’m their mother. I decided to homeschool because I knew what was in them. I wanted to bring it forth in them. GOD knows you and I, too. HE knows how to teach us and what to teach. All for our good and HIS glory.
Question for you today. What are you doing with GOD’s Word?
Be A Masterpiece.
Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Word. Help me to always remember it is not enough to read Your Word, but also I am to study Your Word and apply it to every aspect of my life. Thank You for Your words of encouragement, discipline, and instruction. Teach me Your Word and Your ways. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Linda A. Knowles
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