Help From Unlikely Sources

HELP FROM UNLIKELY SOURCES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 17:4-6

"And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there." (1 Kings 17:4)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 147:9, Luke 12:24, Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 1:27

INTRODUCTION:

In times of great need and uncertainty, God often chooses to provide help in the most unexpected and unusual ways. During a period of famine in Israel, God instructed the prophet Elijah to go to a brook, where He would provide water, and He sent ravens to feed Elijah. Ravens, known for their selfishness, are an unlikely source of provision. This miraculous provision reminds us that God's help can come from places we least expect. When we trust in His sovereignty, we learn that God can use even the most unlikely sources to meet our needs.

1. THE SETTING OF THE NEED

The context of Elijah’s situation reveals how God’s provision is often most evident when needs are greatest.

a) A Time of Famine

Israel was experiencing a severe drought and famine because of King Ahab's wickedness and the worship of Baal.

b) Elijah’s Position

Elijah was in a place of isolation, away from human settlements, relying completely on God's provision.

c) A Total Dependence on God

God’s command for Elijah to go to the brook meant that Elijah had to fully depend on God for his daily needs.

d) The Absence of Human Help

There were no other obvious sources of help, as the entire nation was suffering.

e) Biblical Example:

In the wilderness, the Israelites had no food, but God sent manna from heaven to feed them (Exodus 16:4-5).

2. GOD'S USE OF UNLIKELY SOURCES

God’s ability to provide through unexpected means shows that He is not limited by our expectations.

a) The Ravens' Role

Ravens are typically scavengers, not known for caring for others, yet God commanded them to provide food for Elijah.

b) God’s Sovereignty Over Creation

Even the creatures of the earth obey God’s command when He wills it.

c) God Uses the Unlikely

Just as God used ravens, He can use people, places, and situations that we wouldn’t expect to bring help into our lives.

d) Trusting God’s Plan, Even When It’s Unpredictable

The way God chooses to deliver His provision may not align with our logic, but His methods are always best.

e) Biblical Example:

Jesus used a coin found in the mouth of a fish to pay taxes (Matthew 17:27), showing how God can provide through the most unexpected means.

3. GOD’S TIMING IN THE PROVISION

God’s provision is always timely, even when it seems delayed or improbable.

a) God’s Provision is Always On Time

Elijah did not need food until God had instructed the ravens to deliver it. God’s timing is never too early or too late.

b) The Assurance of Divine Supply

Elijah trusted that God’s provision would come at the right moment, even when there was no sign of it beforehand.

c) Waiting on God’s Timing

There may be a waiting period where we cannot see how God will provide, but it is in this waiting that our faith is strengthened.

d) God’s Provision is Constant

The ravens fed Elijah morning and evening, demonstrating God’s consistency in His care.

e) Biblical Example:

The widow of Zarephath, also during the famine, received provision from God at the precise time she needed it (1 Kings 17:10-16).

4. LEARNING TO EXPECT HELP FROM UNLIKELY SOURCES

The story of Elijah encourages us to expand our expectations of how and where help can come from.

a) Breaking Limiting Beliefs

Sometimes we limit God by expecting help only from familiar or expected sources, but God’s provision is not confined to our understanding.

b) Expecting God to Move Outside of Our Comfort Zones

Just as Elijah had to step out of his comfort zone to trust God’s unusual provision, we must be open to God using unconventional methods.

c) The Role of Faith in the Unexpected

Faith is required to believe that God can use unexpected sources for provision, especially when we see no other way.

d) God's Help is Never Limited by Our Circumstances

Even when all seems hopeless, God can provide in ways that we would not have thought possible.

e) Biblical Example:

God used the small lunch of a boy (five loaves and two fish) to feed 5,000 people (John 6:9-13), showing that God can provide abundantly through seemingly insufficient means.

5. GOD’S PURPOSE IN THE PROVIDENCE

God’s provision through unlikely sources often serves a greater purpose than just meeting our immediate needs.

a) Building Trust in God

By providing through ravens, God taught Elijah to rely on Him fully and trust His ability to provide in all situations.

b) Teaching Humility