Free Embroidery Pattern Series--12 Things God Wants You to Remember--October--I Will Strengthen You
Hello Friends,
How are you all enjoying Fall? I am *loving* it. I'm hoping to bake my first loaf of Pumpkin Gingerbread this weekend, albeit a revised version, I think. The original has *a lot* of sugar & vegetable oil (I'll share if I revise it...and..um..if the revision is good...ha!).
I have such good intentions of spending more time with you here, but there is so much to do everyday and so few hours in which to do it! I know you understand.
This month's scripture has carried me through some difficult times and I hope it will bless and encourage you too.
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand."-Isaiah 41:10
When my first son was 18 months old he broke a vase and was cut right over his eye, on his eyelid. It was one of the worst moments of my life as a parent.
At the hospital he was so frantic and afraid that the doctors and nurses couldn't keep him still to even look at the cut, which eventually needed several stitches.
They had to place him in what they called a papoose, which was essentially a device to wrap up his little flailing arms and legs and restrain him so that they could treat him.
stock photo
It was so awful as a mother to watch them wrap him so tightly, and see him give up struggling and just look up at me with those confused, sad, little eyes.
When I was praying about this month's pattern and scripture I was reminded of this incident. I thought about how it was only after my little one had completely given up the fight that the doctor was able to examine and help him, the nurse able to administer pain reliever, and the healing process able to begin.
When we feel alone, defeated, at our weakest point, that's when God is able to strengthen us most.
I think sometimes, however, we think by "strengthening us", God means He will make us *feel* strong, but actually the Word says in 2 Corinthians 12:9,
"My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
So instead, I believe He is waiting for us to *feel* weak, to stop struggling against Him and just relax and let Him do what we need, in us and for us.
Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians,
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, *then* I am strong."
If you've been struggling with something for awhile now, maybe it's time to let go, let God wrap you up tight, stop fighting against Him and let Him fight for you.
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
-Exodus 14:14
No Fight Left by J.J. Heller
If you're just joining in, click the image above for the overview
page with instructions and previous free patterns.
I Will Strengthen You
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand."-Isaiah 41:10
The Pattern
Click here to download the free pattern.
There is a copy with the tenth thing God wants you to remember, "I will strengthen you" and a blank copy for you to fill in your own phrase or scripture in the space if you'd like to use it again. (it's a pdf so you'll need Adobe Reader installed. Get it here for free)
The Stitches
I used the following stitches on this pattern:
♥ Split Stitch (Used this on the pumpkins to give them some depth)
♥ Back Stitch (Used this on everything else)
I'd love to see your work if you're stitching along with us! Send me a link or a photo to be featured on the blog!
I'm praying for each of you that you'll give up the fight and rest in the Lord.
I love you!
Grace & Peace,
♥ Melissa~
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"The Lord’s eyes scan the whole world to find those whose hearts are committed to Him and to strengthen them." -2 Chronicles 16:9