Called 4 Jesus

by TA York

Freely Given: Choosing Dependency Over Currency:

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:7-8

A dear sister in Christ recently asked me where she could purchase my books to support my writing. When I explained that I don’t sell my work—that I’ve sent my evangelistic manuals to pastors worldwide free of charge—she grew concerned. She asked, “How will you support your family?”

I laughed and told her, “Like everyone else, I earn a paycheck.”

Though I retired early due to illness and now work part-time, I understand her heart. She believes I deserve the “fruit of my labor.” However, I recognize my writing as a gift from heaven. I refuse to be a “Simon the Sorcerer,” attempting to use a gift from the Holy Spirit as a tool to benefit the “unholy trinity”: me, myself, and I.

The Balance of Faith and Work:

In discussions with my wife about providing for our family, she often says, “Don’t sit on your hands and wait on God.” She’s right. We have all seen people sit on the couch, watching TV, waiting for God to drop a check in their lap.

I have never been that person. I do my part—I work, read, pray, tithe, and serve—and I trust Jesus with the other 99 percent. Over the years, I have seen God come through in miraculous ways whenever I’ve stepped out in faith.

The “Exact Change” God:

Years ago, I went on a mission trip. Against common recommendation, I actually borrowed money for the plane fare. The trip was incredible, filled with miracles. Upon my return, I was sharing my experiences at a church when a man interrupted to ask for my last name. I told him and kept talking.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of paper ripping. The man handed me a check. I am not the type to ask for money for my ministry, and I initially refused, but he insisted. When I finally looked at the check later, it was for the exact amount I had borrowed for my airfare.

Whether it is money for missions or food for the table, God has always met our needs. Once, when we needed groceries, a neighbor unexpectedly called for help. Though I tried to refuse his payment, he left the money in my car—the exact amount we needed for food.

The Purpose of Lack:

Recently, I found myself watching a movie about brothers and felt a pang of sadness. As an only child, I grew up lonely. I asked the Lord, “Why couldn’t I have a sibling to talk to and share life with?”

The answer came the next day: The Lord wanted me to depend completely on Him. For me, a sibling might have been a distraction from learning total dependency on the Father. This isn’t a rule for everyone, but it is the path God chose for my sanctification.

Currently, our family is facing a reduction in financial assistance for my younger son. Instead of panicking, I am praying: “Thank you, Lord, for teaching us a greater dependency on You. Thank you for Your future provision.”

Lessons from Joseph: Gratitude in the Pit:

We see the ultimate example of this dependency in the life of Joseph.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” — Genesis 50:20

Before Joseph reached the palace, he endured approximately 13 years of slavery and imprisonment. He was sold by his brothers, falsely accused of a crime, and forgotten in a dungeon. Yet, he never turned his back on God. His dependency only grew.

Even when Potiphar’s wife tempted him, Joseph didn’t just worry about offending his master. He said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

Dependency vs. Deception:

There is a stark contrast between the heart of Joseph and the heart of his brothers:

The Worldly Way: Joseph’s brothers operated out of fear and deception. Even years later, they used lies to try and protect themselves because they didn’t understand forgiveness.

The Kingdom Way: Joseph operated out of gratitude and dependency. He saw God’s hand even in his suffering.

Marriage, ministry, and daily provision are all areas where we must choose a side. If we cheat on a spouse or use God’s gifts for greed, we aren’t just offending people; we are breaking a covenant with God.

Let us be a people who don’t rely on our own understanding or deceptive schemes. Instead, let us grow in Christ through total gratitude and daily dependence on the One who provides.

God Bless