Devotionals

In a Spin

by Anne Adams
03/05/25
For Sale
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin ….. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

  Matt 6:28, 30 (NKJV)

In a Spin

Once many years ago at a small town Bible college the washing machine in the dormitory laundry room broke down.  A maintenance worker posted an “Out of Order” sign on the machine but apparently that wasn’t enough because someone else - probably a student with a wacky sense of humor – posted an additional notice: “This washer does not toil, neither does it spin…” 

That’s silly of course but in a way it certainly accentuates Jesus’ point to his disciples about how God’s grace provides for us and with no response necessary from us. The illustration comes as the Lord gently chides the disciples and others for their worry over daily provision – in this case their clothes. It’s as if He’s saying, “You’re worried about what you’re going to wear?”  Then he gives them an illustration: “Consider the lilies,” He says. These beautiful flowers grow and blossom – and all without any obvious outside assistance.  They don’t work yet it is God’s grace that enables them grow to display their beauty.  He continues the lesson with a gentle chiding, “Indeed, the lilies and other types of growing plants don’t ‘toil or spin’ - yet God provides what they need.”  He summarizes:  “So think about this: if God provides for the needs of those plants – which are essentially temporary - then don’t you think He can provide for your needs – like clothing?”   For if God can do the small thing – provide for plants – then surely he can do the greater – and provide for his children.

And all he asks of us is the faith  to accept the reality – and leave it to Him.