Following A Pattern?

Do you sew?

I would love to say that I do, but truth be told, I’ve only made one outfit . Ever.

My first experience with patterns and fabric was in a 4-H sewing club. We called ourselves The Darkroom Darners. Interesting name, isn’t it? I don’t believe darners do their best work in the dark, but when it comes to sewing, being in the dark pretty much sums it up for me.

My first pattern was a simple pant and matching vest. I can remember meticulously pinning the pattern to the fabric, a hideous gray that did nothing for my complexion. Of course, I was all of about twelve years old, and doubt that crossed my mind.

My garment almost complete, the final touch was sewing ruby-red piping onto the vest.  To my horror, the fabric began to unravel. My mom rescued my garment from an otherwise catastrophic end. By doubling up the piping, she was able to stop the unraveling, saving it from becoming a mere pile of threads without form. My pattern had become a wearable garment.

Pattern. What does it mean? According to Merriam-Webster:

something designed or used as a model for making things

a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution

How important is it in life to follow a pattern, and what or whose pattern exactly are we following?

Conforming to the pattern of this world can cause our lives to unravel, much like the material of my first ever attempt at fashion. And who wants to turn into a clump of frayed threads without form?

There are several references in the Bible about following a pattern.

God’s instruction to Moses in making the Tabernacle was one of them:

“Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” Exodus 25:9

How about Noah?  I’m sure he was thankful God gave him a pattern for the ark. Imagine how the ark might have turned out without God’s specific instructions of size, shape, depth, width, and construction. Right down to the last cubit.
Beginning to see a pattern here?
God never does anything haphazardly, and He doesn’t want us to either. He always provides a pattern. His Word.
 
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2

 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13

Life without a pattern is like a clump of frayed threads without form. Pattern

 We have a pattern of sound teaching, a pattern established through Jesus who not only shows us the way, but is The Way. He is our pattern.
When we Follow HimHe will bind our unraveling, so we may be a new creation according to His pattern; we are cut from the same cloth, a garment of praise.

2 Comments

  1. Julie Lefebure

    Doris, this is full of truth and beauty. I love the patterns that I find in God’s Word, and many you shared in your words. Thank you for reminding me His pattern for my life is best. May God continue to bless you and encourage your heart as you write for Him. Much love to you today!

    • Doris S. Swift

      Thank you for your comments and encouragement, You are gifted that way 🙂 Much love to you as well!

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