Can You Zig Zag?
Hi Everyone,
I hope you are all well. I want to share a vision that I received this past Sunday. It is a simple vision with so much meaning. The vision I saw was a run of zig zag stitches on a piece of fabric. A zig zag stitch is a stitch that is only made possible with a zig zag sewing machine. It is primarily used in sewing stretch fabrics, but there are actually many different applications. So it is quite useful.
This post of course is not all about sewing, but it is a message from the Lord. He speaks to us in dreams, and in visions, words of knowledge, in a still soft voice, and sometimes in a strong command or rebuke. But he loves us - just the way we are. However, He intends for us to grow, and to change, for we are a work in progress. He keeps us on his potter’s wheel and continues to mold and make us into a useful vessel for his purpose.
So let’s talk about what this vision reveals about the Lord’s concerns.
Zig Zag Stitches
In the vision, I just saw zig zag stitches on a piece of fabric. That was it. That was all there was to the vision. But I knew that God wanted me to focus on what these stitches mean, what they do and why we use them.
A zig zag stitch is not for hand sewing. It can only be made by a machine, either a simple mechanical machine or a computerized machine that can make many different decorative stitches as well as the basic zig zag. The sewing machine moves the needle from right to left, back and forth, over and over again, as the fabric moves forward. The bobbin thread loops to secure the stitch from below, so that the thread from the main spool sits on the top surface of the fabric, and the bobbin thread sits on the underneath side.
The zig zag stitch can be used in a variety of ways. It was primarily designed for stretch fabrics, because the stitch will elongate when the seam undergoes a stretch. An ordinary straight stitch cannot withstand stretching—it will break and the seam will open up creating a hole in the garment.
A zig zag can also be used in attaching appliques, and embroidering. It is the preferred stitch when piecing laces together because it is less visible. And it is very strong when the stitches are compressed making a satin stitch for bar tacks on belt loops, reinforcement for jean zippers and making button holes.
But what is God showing us with this vision of the zig zag stitches? I believe that he is using the functionality of the stitch to remind us of how we are to live and respond to his calling.
I. A Stitch Joining Fabric
A zig zag stitch is designed to join two or more pieces of fabric together. As the body of Christ we are to be joined together so that we each fulfill our function with Jesus as the head. “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16
The Lord wants us to be part of a local church, because it is where we can gather together to worship corporately, to grow in the knowledge of God, and to work together in ministry to others. We are stronger and more effective together. “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
II. As a Stretch Stitch
As I said before, a zig zag stitch is designed to stretch with movement and with the stresses placed on the seam. It is a stretch stitch because it allows the seam to lengthen under the stretch rather than to hold so tightly that it breaks. I believe that the Lord wants us to be flexible, and to allow him to stretch us. He gives us direction and challenges us with his purposes so as to cause us to grow. He wants us to mature and to go beyond what we believe are our limitations. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Too often, we say “No,” to God and to others because we are fearful. The fear of failure, the fear of looking foolish, or the fear of criticism can cause us to not even attempt a task. Often we lack the confidence in ourselves to be able to do what the Lord asks of us. We may be lacking in faith, being unable to trust God for his support.
When he asks us to do something that we have never done before, he knows that we can do it with his help. But we don’t always have the faith to believe him. This becomes an uncomfortable stretch for us. We have to go beyond our self imposed limitations.
And the laws of nature can impose limitations on what we believe can or cannot be done. In this case we must believe God for the supernatural in order to overcome those limitations. When we pray, we must not limit God. We have to believe him for miracles. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
The Lord wants to stretch us. He wants us to step out in faith and do something new. It is faith that causes us to believe that he will meet us as we take the first step. if he calls us, he will also equip us to do the task he has chosen.
Do you remember Peter, the Lord’s disciple, who was willing to step out of the boat and walk on water to meet the Lord? If the Lord asked us to “Come!” Would we leave the boat? Do we trust him to meet us on the water? When Peter took his eyes off the Lord, and started to sink, what did the Lord do? “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31
Let us learn from Peter’s example, and trust the Lord. If we want to be used by him for his purpose, and we know that he is more than willing to give us what we need, then we must also believe that it is his purpose to stretch us! “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:6-8
III. The Zig Zag Stitch Follows the Design
The zig zag stitch is able to effectively attach appliques. The zig zag stitch follows the outline of an applique stitching back and forth, on and off, the edge of the applique so that the edge does not lift or curl. Just as the stitch follows the outline and shape of the applique, we are to follow the Lord. Wherever he leads, that is where we are to go.
Very often we speak of following the Holy Spirit’s lead, for he was given to us as a guide. Jesus said, “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and he will declare to you what is to come.” John 16:13
We are to follow the Lord, for that is who we are: his disciples, his followers. We are led by his teachings in the word of God and by his still small voice. “So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.’” John 8:31
So in order to be a disciple, a follower, we must know his word, and spend time with him in prayer. We need to know him intimately. The Lord’s disciples followed him for three years, learning his ways. Then after his death and resurrection, they were given the Holy Spirit, and became born again. But it was ten days after his ascension into heaven that they were Baptized in the Holy Spirit and received power to witness. Because of their intimacy with the Lord, and being baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit, they overcame all fear. They healed the sick, raised the dead, and performed awesome miracles, signs and wonders, in the name of Jesus. As a result, the church grew rapidly, even in the presence of strong opposition and persecution.
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
They proved to be genuine followers, for they went where he went, and did what he did with amazing supernatural power. This is for all who believe. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
So let us not allow ourselves to become complacent, mediocre disciples, for we are in the last days, and we must follow the Lord. Jesus made it clear to the disciples saying: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Luke 9:23-26
“And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. “ Luke 14:27
These are tough words, but they need to be spoken and taught to the church. We cannot simply hear a sugar coated message that Jesus died for everyone and everyone is automatically saved. There is nothing automatic about salvation. We must pledge our very lives and hearts to the Lord. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
Listen to these sobering words:
“Jesus answered, ‘If it is my will that he remains alive until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!’” John 21:22 The message is clear—”You follow me!”
IV. The Zig Zag Stitch is Versatile
The zig zag stitch is used in many different applications. In the same way, we can be used by God in many different ways as well. He wants us to be versatile, to be available for his use in whatever manner he may need us. We are to be his servants, fit for the master’s use. “Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21
Jesus himself was versatile. He taught using terms that his audience would understand. He spoke about the kingdom of God using seed because a farmer and an ordinary person would understand the idea of planting. He spoke of the kingdom of God using fish, sorting the good from the bad, because it is something to which a fisherman relates. He spoke of a coin that was lost to relate to the poor, and to explain how important it is that the Lord seeks the lost. He was versatile in his handling of situations, and different people. To the Pharisees he was blatantly honest in his criticisms. But to a certain Gentile woman and an exceptional centurion man he was compassionate and willing to heal because he saw their faith. He taught the disciples with clarity and explanations. He taught the masses with parables, so that some would understand and some would not.
The Apostle Paul was also versatile. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22
The Lord desires for us to be versatile too. Surely we are people of integrity, but might we also be flexible in our attitudes and accommodating in our approach to sharing the gospel, and in being available for the Lord’s use. Paul said, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” Paul gave himself fully to the Lord’s work, doing whatever was required at the moment. He did not say, “It’s not my job. It’s not my gifting. I am not called to do this.” On the contrary, he made himself available. He was flexible; he was versatile; he was willing.
V. The Zig Zag Stitch is Strong
The zig zag stitch is strong, and will hold fast to tugging and pulling. Used as a bar tack or for reinforcement, the stitch very often will continue to hold while the fabric itself will tear away from the stitching. I have seen this on cargo work jeans, where the fabric will tear below the reinforcement stitch but leave the bar tack holding on.
The Lord is our strength. He wants our faith to remain strong, in spite of persecution or whatever may come our way. We cannot let anything shake us. When we draw our strength from him we can say: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
We need to be prepared and ready for the trials we will face in life. “He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Psalm 18:34
We know that the enemy of our souls will stir up the people around us to cause strife, division and harm, but we know that the battle is his, and that the joy of the Lord is our strength! Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
And to Joshua, when he was to face the people of Jericho in the promised land, the Lord said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
So we must remain strong in the Lord, for he will fight our battles, and he will never leave us nor forsake us. As we trust in him, he will go before us and be our rear guard. He is our strength!
VI. The Zig Zag Stitch Expresses the Intent of the Seamstress
The zig zag stitch can be used in embroidery. It can be compressed tightly as a satin stitch made by hand. It can flow across the fabric like pen and ink making beautiful letters and shapes.
If we allow the Lord to have his way in our lives, he will mold us into a vessel of honor. We will be an instrument in his hand. “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.” Acts 9:15
We all want to be used by God to bring him honor. As we yield to the Lord’s will, we become an instrument in his hand. Our lives will then bring glory to his name. In our worship, in our praise, and in our songs to him, and in every act of obedience we exalt him above all things. “Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
And “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
VII. A Zig Zag Stitch Can Be Hidden
And a zig zag can join delicate laces together. A lace is a light intricately woven fabric used in lingerie and in fine formal apparel, especially in bridal gowns. The zig zag stitch can hide easily when overlapping two laces. I believe that Jesus wants us to be hidden in him. To be hidden in Christ is to lose ourselves in him. It is to allow the Lord to have his way to such an extent that we can say as Paul did: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
If we die to our own flesh and its desires, our spirit becomes alive, and the Spirit of God begins to manifest in our attitudes, our thoughts and our behaviors. We become attuned to God and our flesh takes a back seat. It says in the word to clothe our selves with Christ. “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14 If we are clothed with Christ, then we are hidden in him.
There is another way in which we are hidden with him. It is in prayer, when we seek him in “the secret place,” that we can be hidden with him. Jesus instructed his disciples to pray alone and in secret. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6
So when we seek him in the “secret place,” we find his friendship and love. We find guidance, revelation, peace and contentment in his presence. For that very reason Jesus would leave his followers to find a lonely, hidden place to pray. “Yet He frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray.” Luke 5:16
As the Church, we are the Lord’s bride. He prepares a bride for himself, a bride without spot or wrinkle, a bride that is holy, a bride that is faithful and one that will be true to him. I believe that the vision of the zig zag stitch shows us many attributes that the Lord wants to see in us.
VIII. The Zig Zag Stitch is Basic
The basic zig zag stitch is ordinary, unembellished, very simple. That is also what the Lord would have us be. He wants no pride, or arrogance in us. We should not be puffed up, thinking that we are better than someone else. He is looking for a bride who is humble and who has a contrite heart. We are to prefer others over ourselves. “For God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Paul in his letter to the Romans writes: “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
IX. In Confirmation
When I was praying earlier about this vision, I asked the Lord to show me its meaning. I opened up my Bible to an article entitled, “Baptism in the Holy Spirit.” And I was looking for what I believed was the interpretation. Then I saw these words, “We must turn from that which offends God before we can be “an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
As I had thought about the zig zag stitch, I saw it as a highly useful stitch, so I was looking for the words: “purposeful” and “useful.” And when I asked him to confirm, he gave me both words! He wants us to understand when he shows us something. There is no point to giving a message that does not become clear. He wants us to know what he is doing, and how we fit into his plans.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
So indeed, the Lord answered my prayer. He will answer yours too! Please share this with others so that they will be blessed!
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord for He is good!
God bless you and your loved ones! Come Lord Jesus!
