The Woman Within

I did a lot of sewing when I was younger. When one would make a new garment the first thing to do is buy a pattern. The pattern had to be a design that person was pleased with. The size had to fit the measurements of the person. The next move was to purchase fabric. Fabric was selected according to color, weight, season of the year, and the design. When the pattern envelope was opened there were pieces of tissue paper. The next step is to smooth out the tissue pattern and pin in place flat on the fabric. Finally, it was time to cut the pieces. The garment was then ready for basting, which is a way of sewing loosely, until the garment is fitted. In most cases, when trying the garment on the person, it has to be altered before applying a permanent stitch.

Let us look at ourselves as Christian patterns. God made each person unique; no one is the same, all have different looks, all have different sizes, different personalities, etc. When the Holy Spirit opens our pattern envelope, He has to smooth us out and pin us in place, to be cut out and basted for inspection to be placed in position to do the work of our Lord. When smoothing out the tissue, it takes a warm iron to get the folds out. Then, it must be pinned firmly in place to be cut. Next, the excess tissue is thrown out. Likewise, with us as patterns we have to be pressed, pinned and cut to get us ready. It may be uncomfortable, but when He is through with us we will be ready for the world see the lifestyle of a Christian.

Another version of a pattern is:

A carpenter's way of measuring before the modern tools was invented. When a carpenter would cut his wood pieces to build something; He would measure the length and cut a piece. He would then, cut all the pieces that exact size by laying the first cut piece on the other pieces and cut them one by one. I was told he could not use any piece except the first one that was cut; otherwise, the pieces would be a little longer. The thought gathered here is Christ is the first cut and we must use Him as the pattern to shape our lives.

Still another version is a pattern of decorative design, something to be admired when seen; As Christian patterns we should look our best at all times. You want to let sinners know that our God is able to supply all our needs. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus Philippians 4: 19. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein Psalms 24: 1. The above statement is not written to imply that we must be adorned at all times in fancy clothes and jewelry; but we should look neat and nice when leaving our place of abode.

And yet, another version is: one who makes silver, gold, or ceramics to be sold.

All of the materials above start out liquid. It must be poured into a pattern and set to the shape of the object. After it is set it is removed, and then it is ready to be finished. Sometimes, it has to be polished with sand paper, sometimes baked in an oven, or sometimes grind to a pulp to be molded again. This version tells us that, as Christians, we must be made over entirely. God may have to melt us down and reshape us for His use.

I believe we now have an idea of what a pattern is. Let us look at how when and where a pattern is to be used. And in all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing un-corruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you Titus 2: 7-8.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydia was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber. And all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Darcus made, made while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth. And kneeled down, and prayed: and turning him to the body said Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord Acts 36-42. Dorcas was known as a pattern of good works. When she died there were widows weeping, not because of the traditional mourning of that day; but because of the coats and garments she had made for them. We can see the pattern both physical and spiritual.