I recently crocheted a sweater for the first time. As I worked through the pattern, I found myself feeling proud of the progress I was making. The stitching was consistent, and I had maintained the discipline needed to finish both the front and back panels. For a beginner project, it felt like a real accomplishment. However, after I attached the front and back panels, I realized something important had been overlooked. I had not left enough space for the neckline and it felt uncomfortable when I tried it on.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:6)
When God first prompted me to make sweaters, I should have asked Him to teach me and not depend on past experience making crochet blankets. You see, when I first started crocheting, it was Him who taught me the patterns. He directed my hands to create beautiful pieces long before I even knew the name of the patterns. It was His knowledge through dreams and visions along with His voice telling me what to do that I learnt creating intricate patterns that have blessed many.
While this particular project was to be a lounging sweater for home, it still needed to fit properly. Comfort requires more than intention; it needs structure and proper craftsmanship. Without them the sweater simply couldn’t work the way it was designed to. I realized that God had seen the misstep yet He allowed me to keep going because He had a plan. He wanted to use this as a teaching moment.
I was looking at the messy sweater trying to figure out how to fix it, when I sensed the Lord gently whisper, “Frog it and start over.”
For those unfamiliar with crochet language, “frogging” means unraveling your work—pulling out the stitches you’ve made. Sometimes it’s just a few rows. Other times, it means undoing everything and beginning again. I didn’t want to start over though. My preference would have been to undo part of the front panels and create a neckline which was the simple fix.
Isaiah 55: 8 says “My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are my ways your ways…” (paraphrased)
As much as I did not want to start over, there was a reason God wanted me to. The pattern was the same but this time around He was going to teach me how to create a neckline.
That’s when His revelation hit me.
The structure of one season shouldn’t be applied to another season in its entirety.
Why?
Well, for starters, you have grown and acquired skills that have matured you. The vision may still be the same but the process must shift to accommodate new knowledge, skills and revelation. With experience comes new strategy and elevation requires the new strategy even if parts of the old knowledge are still usable. Like Jesus said, new wine cannot be put in an old wineskin because it will burst the old wineskin. (Mark 2:22)
This is the same principle with life and we must be willing to adapt.
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It’s amazing how a mishap on a crotchet sweater became the platform God used to remind me of the principle of building in a new season. Don’t you just love when He uses the simple things to teach and remind us profound truths?
Yes my friend, I redid the sweater and while it’s not yet finished, the neckline looks amazing. I can’t wait to wear it and make more. Not only did He hone in on this experience to remind me building His vision requires partnering with Him but He also taught me some new skills and I have a new stream of income. I know I have some learning to do before can sell a sweater but I’m willing to start over if that means God is “building my house” and “watching” over my progress.
Remember:
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
If there is any area of your life you feel stuck, take time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas you may have applied “old knowledge” to something that needs fresh revelation. It could be a small fix and with some tweaks it gets to the next level or it could He desires you to start over and this time around do not lean on your own understanding.
One thing about the Holy Spirit, He is full of strategies and has a vast library of knowledge He longs to share with us. Partner with Him.
So if He says start over, my friend just “frog it and start again.” 😊
I pray this blesses and encourages you.
Love & Blessings – Eunice
