“A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men.”

Proverbs 18:16 AMP

Today we see how that the Lord can use our practical skills in the development of His plan. On the night I graduated from Liberty University with my ministry degree, the Lord gave me this verse. It wasn’t quite the same as the Holy Spirit spoke it to me; “Your gifts and talents will take you before Kings and Princes.” I wrote it down in my journal and didn’t think much more about. There were no kings or princes in the United States so I thought it meant that maybe God would give me favor with rich or famous people. I had no idea He really meant kings and princes! As time passed, I worked as a paramedic and then and educator to fund the ministry that God had called me to. I was frustrated because I wanted to be a “full-time” youth pastor, but it seemed to be out of reach! In the early 90’s on a trip to the Holy Land, God placed a love for the Muslim people in my heart. After a time of prayer, He dropped Saudi Arabia there and the journey was on! How would I get there? No one is allowed there as a minister. I guess I will just pray for the land and the people. Little did I know that God would use my experience and expertise as the vehicle for my entry to the land. After a few years, God opened the door to travel to the country to help establish the first organized Paramedic training program! My trip was supposed to be for 3 months but is now year 21! Who can tell what God will do! 

The times were difficult and the work challenging. Being away from friends and family is not as easy as it sounds. I often remembered that those who make a commitment to the Lord cannot look back but continue to move forward with His plan. After4 years of that project, I faced expulsion from the country due to an issue with my sponsor. In order to be in the country at that time you needed a Saudi sponsor and mine was determined to get rid of me. Falling wholly on God’s grace, when it seemed inevitable that I would leave, God moved the King of the country to fix my problem! From the depths of despair to lunch at the King’s table God had kept His promise that if I would seek His way, He would take care of me! One day while I was on duty at the King’s house the Holy Spirit spoke to me, “Now do you understand the last 20 years of your life? All of the things that transpired in your life were set in motion to put you in this chair!” It was at that point that I had to repent and ask God to forgive me for me impatience and complaining during that time of preparation. For the next 4 years I sat with world leaders, kings of countries and princes daily! God is good! 

During that time, The Holy Spirit said to me, “The land of EMS in the Middle east is yours!” I could not for the life of me understand what He was saying. I now see the fulfilment of that as I serve as the MENA coordinator for a trauma and emergency education programs. I administrate centers from Turkey to Afghanistan! In 2021, the World Trauma Forum recognized me with an award for my work establishing trauma programs throughout the Middle East! I say all this today as a testimony of what God can do. If He can take this broken down, drug crazy teenager and put him in the King’s palace, what can He do for you! 

If you look at the verse you will see the Amplified translation as “A man’s gift given in love…” God has placed a love for the Saudi people in my heart and from it springs forth new life and service to the King of kings! Many times we do not understand and cannot see what God is doing. We have our plan, but His plan is usually much different! AS I quoted in the above section,

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

Matthew 6:33 AMP

The issue at hand is whether or not you are seeking His plan or yours? It is our responsibility to daily ask and seek Hi will for us that day. We cannot see the bigger picture but are called to trust in Him. One of my favorite verses is,

“This is why I suffer as I do. Still, I am not ashamed; for I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day [when I stand before Him].”

2 Timothy 1:12 AMP

Let me encourage you today to seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness and the rest will fall into place! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken