(Matt. 6:31–33)
If you are to truly make God your complete source, you must have a revelation that though He may choose to use your pastor, your church, or your salary, they are not your source. If you put your trust in man, then man will be the limit of your supply. On the other hand, if God is your source, the supply is unlimited!
I have known people who volunteered to help in a local church, working for no pay, but doing it unto the Lord. Then, because of their faithfulness, they were given a paid position on staff. I'm not saying that every volunteer position will lead to a paid one, but with God as your source, if He wants you to be part of the paid staff, you can trust Him for that promotion.
Unfortunately, I have seen some of these same people who were promoted to a paid position begin to think that the church owed them something. When they were expected to be on time and to put in a full day's work, they began to feel that the demands were too great and that they were worth more than they were being paid. They forgot that God was their source and that they were working for Him.
Do not allow anger to rise up in you against your leader when you find yourself in a situation where you must believe God financially. If you agreed to work for the salary offered by that ministry, you have no right to get angry when you face a situation of lack. You may certainly discuss the matter with your leader, but ultimately you must take your eyes off of him and put them on God as your ultimate source of supply.
It delights your Father when you prosper, and because a laborer is worthy of his hire, He will see to it that your needs are met and that you have plenty. (Luke 10:7.) Don't limit God. He can use a variety of avenues to reward and bless you. And He will, when you put your trust in Him.
Examine your heart and ask yourself some questions:
- Are you living more on the world's system of finance or on God's? Are you willing to stay faithful, even in the face of financial challenges? Do you really believe that God is an abundant rewarder?
- Meditate on what God's Word has to say about Him being your source of supply:
"And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]" (2 Cor. 9:8 AMP).
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11).
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Ps. 20:7).
Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a generous and giving God. I am committed to being a faithful worker whether I am in a paid position or not. You are the One I work for, and You are the One who will see to it that I receive the appropriate reward. I will not worry about what I will eat or drink or wear or drive or where I shall live. Since You take such wonderful care of each little sparrow, I know You will take care of me. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
