SERIES: RECOVERING STOLEN IDENTITY & RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: PART 1: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DESTINY HELPERS
2 KINGS 5: 1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great & honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.” 5 Then the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he departed and took with him 10 talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy. 7 And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes & said, “Am I God to kill & make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.” 8 So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me & he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
INTRO: RECOVERING STOLEN IDENTITY & RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DESTINY HELPERS
Song: “ALL OF MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD”. Series: About Stolen Identity & Misplaced Destiny & How We Can Find Them Again. Stolen Identity: Esau & Jacob, David, Adam & Eve, Moses, Elijah. Misplaced Destiny: Joseph, David, Moses, Paul, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc.
IDENTITY THEFT IN THE REAL WORLD.
Identity Thefts Leading To Undue Suffering Are Real Problems In The Society & Church: Identity Theft: Deceitful & unauthorized use of a person's private info usually for financial gains. It happens to millions of Americans every year & is increasing. How Does It Work?
1. Acquisition Of Personal Data. When they have access to your information.
2. Use Of The Stolen Identity: Open new accounts; Make purchases; Sell identity on black market; health insurance, passports; File tax returns; Commit insurance fraud; Rent cars, etc.
3. Discovery & Correction Of Identity Theft. Discovery: Some forms of identity theft can be caught right away, like the misuse of credit or debit cards. Correction: When you attempt to get back your identity.
ABOUT STOLEN IDENTITY AND MISPLACED DESTINY AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE.
1. Identity answers the question: ‘Who has God called you to be?’ He has called you to be a Christian, Pastor, Musician, Engineer, Giver, Mother, Encourager, etc. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
2. Destiny: Answers the question: ‘What has God called you to do?’ As a king, pastor, mother, father, what has He called you to do? Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil; to give you a future and an expected end. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established & I will accomplish all My good pleasure'.
ONE MAJOR TRUTH WE LEARN FROM GIDEON’S IDENTITY & DESTINY.
1. God Himself Initiates Your Identity & Destiny.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. God steps into Gideon’s normal, everyday life and announces His intention for him. God’s destiny for your life will be consistent with the way He wired you. What are your unique experiences, passion, abilities, spiritual gifts? God took Gideon by surprise and has some surprises in store for you. Take time to pray & ask God the questions: ‘What have you called me to do?’ ‘Who have you called & created me to be?’ You may need to ask godly leaders you trust of what they see in you. You Need Destiny Helpers. So Gideon chooses 30,000 men as destiny helpers. God cuts it to 2,700, Then 300. “Too many cooks sours the soup”.
EXAMPLES OF DESTINY HELPERS:
The Paralytic Borne Of Four: Mark 2:1-12: Capernaum - Four friends were destiny helpers - tried to go thru the door, could not, but did not give up. Those God has ordained to help you will not give up on you. These friends knew if a door shuts, one opens at the top.
EXAMPLES OF SOME DESTINY KILLERS:
1. People Preventing Paralytic Man From Reaching Jesus: Mark 2: The friends tried to get their paralyzed friend thru the door but the people around Jesus wouldn't allow them. They were not bothered about the condition of the paralyzed man. Destiny killers – block your dream, divert your destiny, cause delay, frustrate efforts, only see negative side, they kill your joy. Tell you your vision is too big. They drag you back. They are discouragers, time wasters, limiters and mockers. Some are in your house, Church, around you. Destiny killers weaken your faith. If your destiny has been diverted, God would re-order it today in Jesus Name. Any tare that has been sown in your life by the enemy will be uprooted IJN.
2. Herod Killing Others To Secure Himself (Matt. 2:1-18): Bent on abolishing the destiny of others. He tried to kill Jesus; killed babies, beheaded John the Baptist, killed James, etc.
3. Sanballat & Tobiah Hindering Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:10): Discouraged Nehemiah by claiming the vision was too big. Then they told lies, threatened, mocked, etc.
Note: Your destiny killers must change or God will trouble them. He will take away their peace and give them an assignment they cannot complete (Acts 23:12 – people took an oath to kill Paul). If destiny killers don’t change, may God send them on journey of no return.
WHAT DESTROYS IDENTITY AND DESTINY IN OUR LIVES – THE MIDIANITES.
1. Through Lies: Have God Said? You Are Not Good Enough
2. Through Your Past: Disappointments / Statements Made. You Won’t Amount To Anything.
3. Through Problems: And Mountains You See.
4. Multiple Problems: They come in ripples.
5. Your Background: What you lack or family history.
6. Forgetting Your Position In Christ: Lost identity.
7. Through Under-Rating Yourself: That Person Is Better Than You.
8. Through Fears: You are afraid of what is to come.
RESULTS OF LOST IDENTITY AND MISPLACED DESTINY.
1. You Become A Pessimist.
2. Hiding From Public View.
3. Forgetfulness Of Who God Is And What He Has Done.
4. Unmet Goals And Aspirations.
5. Losing The Will To Dream Or Take Risks.
6. Being Suspicious Of Everyone.
7. Barely Getting By To Survive.
8. Living A Life Of No Faith.
9. You Tear Down The Achievements Of Others Through Envy And Jealousy.
10. You Live In Pity.
11. You Hold Grudges And Hatred And Revenge.
12. You Forget Who You Are And What God Has In Store For You.
13. You Speak Rashly And Make Stupid Vows To Impress Others – Not God.
SIGNIFICANCE OF DESTINY HELPERS
Destiny Helpers Connect You To The Top (Not The Bottom); they facilitate your destiny, they add value, they are strategically positioned to help you arrive at your expected end, they go out of their way to help you, they help you navigate through all obstacles, they help you succeed, they excavate barriers for you, they fight on your behalf as if the battle is theirs, they use their time and tools for you, they use their own network to open up opportunities for you, they are positioned by God to make your way smooth, they are ordained by God to assist, they share experiences, scars, counsel and wisdom that would save you the pain and frustration that they have been through, they come to meet you when they know you need help, they don’t wait for you to come to them (they notice you), they bear your burdens (Galatians 3:6). They lift you up when you are down.
When Your Destiny Comes, Your Story Will Change. When your real destiny helper appears, every difficult thing becomes so easy and possible! You will be promoted and highly favored like Joseph. You will dine and wine with kings like Esther! Not every destiny helper is for a life time. Your destiny helper might be anybody no matter the person’s status. Some helpers are sent to come and go. Others are sent to come and stay! No matter what is happening, you will never lack help. Every helper has a season of manifestation. The season of your friends might certainly be different from yours. They are not limited to monetary terms alone but valuable terms as well.
OTHER EXAMPLES OF DESTINY HELPERS:
1. Jethro & Moses: Gen. 18 Jethro was a destiny helper to Moses. He went to meet Moses, and advised Him on how to appoint & delegate helpers. He gave Moses wise counsel.
2. Joseph, The Butler & The Baker: Gen. 40:6-7 In prison, Joseph looked after the butler & baker when they were downcast & helped the Butler to fulfill his destiny. Be a burden bearer.
3. Naaman & The Maid: 2 Kings 5:3: God used a maid to help Naaman. God can use anybody to help you. Do not overlook people God will send in your life.
4. Elijah & The Widow Of Zarephath: 1 Kings 17:12-13: God sent Elijah to save the widow of Zarephath and her son from death.
5. Hannah & Eli: 1 Sam. 1:17: Eli had issues, but he was the destiny helper God used to unlock Hannah’s barrenness. All Hannah needed was a prophetic declaration from a priest.
6. Shunammite Woman & Elisha: 2 Kings 4: Shunammite woman told husband they should help Elisha. Thru Elisha she had child. May God open your eyes to locate your destiny helper.
7. Aaron & Moses: Aaron was a divine helper to Moses and spoke on Moses behalf because Moses was slow of speech.
8. Moses & Joshua: Moses was a mentor (destiny helper) to Joshua to equip and prepare him for leadership after his death. Joshua in his life time did what Moses couldn't do. Joshua led the children of Israel into the "promised land".
WHO ARE DESTINY HELPERS?
Destiny Helpers? People that are assigned to help you fulfil what God has commissioned you to do. We all need these people in our lives. If we do not rightly discern people we may be aborting God given relationships we may end up being very costly to us.
Millions Of People Die With Their Great Talents And Gifts, unnoticed, undiscovered, and uncelebrated because they lacked destiny connectors. There comes a time in one’s life that all what his or her destiny needs is just a right connection. Amos 7:5: “Then said I, O Lord God, cease, I beseech thee by Whom shall Jacob Arise?” Jacob needed someone to arise. He could not do the raising by himself. This reinforces the fact that, in order to soar, your destiny needs recommendation, advice, information, introduction, assistance, favor, mentoring, etc. from people.
Fake Destiny Helper Will Block Your Dream; divert your destiny at the expense of your ignorance or carelessness. They cause delay, frustrate efforts, only see the negative side of you, killers of joy. Fake destiny helpers will not tell you of the good dreams they have of you but the bad. They are discouragers, time wasters, they limit you and mock you. Some fake destiny helpers are in your household, in Church, and around you. Fake destiny helpers are everywhere and are bent on abolishing your destiny (Ecclesiastes 10:5-7). Fake destiny helper weaken your faith. If Your Destiny Has Been Diverted, God Would Re-Order It Today In Jesus Name.
WHOM DOES GOD SEND TO BECOME DESTINY CARRIERS?
1. God Himself Comes: Psalm 54:4. Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.
2. Holy Spirit: John 14:15 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
3. Angels: 1 Kings 19:4-8 God sent angels to minister to Elijah when he felt suicidal and devoid of a destiny.
4. Jesus: 1 John 2:1 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
5. God Sent Them As Donkeys: Stubbornness is the result of this.
6. People: Not all the people in your life are ‘helpers of destiny’ just because they are present and you can go to them for anything. God sends special ones to enable you to reach.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DESTINY HELPERS
1. Come In All Colors (Different Race – Egyptian, Midianite))
2. Come In All Ages (Young Or Old – Youth With Bread, Naaman)
3. Come In All Positions (Influential Or Not – Mordecai, Daniel))
4. Come In All Statuses (Rich Or Poor – Paul & Silas & Lame Man))
5. Christians Or Nonchristians (Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar)
6. It is God that brings them your way.
7. You don’t choose them, God does.
8. They may appear with burden and problems.
9. You may or may not know them.
10. They may be insignificant to you.
11. They may be of lower education, exposure, and class to you.
12. They may even depend on you for survival.
13. They may be your superiors.
14. They may be your colleagues.
15. Without them you may live a miserable life.
16. They add to your speed.
17. They lubricate your friction.
18. Your fulfillment is wrapped up around them.
19. They are divine intermediaries between you and your purpose in life.
GENERAL KINDS OF DESTINY HELPERS
1. The Jethros: It is important to have mentors in life. You can learn a lot from people who have been where you are heading. They have the experiences and the scars to show. They can see further than you can and encourage you when you are struggling. A mentor has something that you admire and lack but you need to be discerning to locate the right ones. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, offered him good advice when he noticed that he was in danger of burning himself out. Moses was wise to appreciate the advice and apply it which improved his leadership effectiveness (Ex 18). Experience is different from gifting. Eli had experience and Samuel had the calling.
2. The Aarons: These are your peers. The ones who belong to your generation and they are also the ones who know you best. Our closest friends fall in this category. The Bible states that as iron sharpens iron so a friend sharpens the countenance of his friend (Prov 27:17). He who walks in the company of the wise is wise but he who walks with fools will suffer harm (Prov 13:20). It is important to choose wisely those we keep as companions for their influence will play a determining factor in our destiny for good or ill.
3. The Joshuas: The impact of a great destiny is leaving a legacy. It is a complete waste if all you accomplished was to come to earth, eat, drink, make merry and die without leaving a legacy. There is a generation coming behind you and it is important that you influence them to be better and greater than you. Just as you have learnt from the earlier generation (the Jethros), it is important that you build and train those who will exceed your accomplishments. Moses equipped and developed Joshua to be a mighty leader. Joshua was able to do what Moses could not do.
TWELVE UNCOMMON DESTINY HELPERS
1. Divine Connectors: Divine connectors are the missing link between who you are and who you were designed to be. Most of the time they look insignificant and ordinary because they don't have what you are looking for. E.g. 2 Kings 5:1-3: Naaman & Servant Girl. The entrance of divine connecters in your life links you to your future & causes doors to open.
2. Movers & Influencers: They have influence, ability, connections to bring you to your next level. One introduction from them brings greatness. A word from them makes you receive appointment letter without application letter. They turn your prayer topics into testimonies. E.g. Joseph was talented but was still in prison. When he met the Baker and then Pharaoh, he became prime minister in 24 hours.
3. The Gifted: These are a group of divine helpers who are highly skillful in their chosen professions, talented and gifted. When they come into your life, they use their gifts, talents and skills to help you accomplish God's purpose for your life. E.g. 1 Samuel 16:17-18 David - When evil spirit troubled Saul, a gifted person like David helped him to be delivered.
4. Burden Carriers: God releases them into your life to help you carry your burdens when the road to your destiny becomes rough. They are faithful & available and sticks with you till your purpose is accomplished. When all leave, they stay. E.g. John 6:66-69 Jesus needed burden carriers to accomplish His assignment. When all left, the 12 Disciples stayed.
5. Ladder Holders: They help you focus on your assignment when everyone is saying you have arrived. They make sure you don't deviate. When you climb the ladder of destiny, you will need ladder holders to hold you steady to achieve greater. E.g. 1 Chron. 11: David’s Mighty Men.
6. The Man Of God: Men of God are carriers of mantle that makes them gifts to the body of Christ. E.g. 2 Chronicles 20:20 Believe in God and you shall be established, believe in His prophets and you shall prosper. Your encounter with a man of God is an encounter with the mind of God. When Saul the donkey chaser encountered Samuel, the man of God, Saul became King. Disciples encountered Jesus, they became apostles; Shunammite woman honored Elisha, she became a mother.
7. Uncommon Mentor: They have been at where you are going and know the terrain. Their experiences, scars and wisdom will save you from making costly mistakes in life. E.g. Jesus Christ mentored the disciples. Elijah mentored Elisha.
8. The Uncommon Enemy: You will need an uncommon enemy to succeed and accomplish the purpose for which you were commissioned. Such person, whether a believer or not, opposes your destiny in order to bring out your best. E.g. 1 Samuel 17: It took Goliath, an uncommon enemy, for David to become a star. You need an uncommon enemy who will fight what you carry in order to have a divine promotion in life. E.g. 1 Sam. 1-2: Hannah’s entice Peninnah brought prayer out of her.
9. The Uncommon Spouse: He or she comes into your life to keep you focused on your assignment. When you have the right spouse, he / she becomes a threat to your adversaries and energizes you to pursue your assignment with excellence. E.g. King Solomon's heart was turned from God to the other gods because of wrong relationship.
10. Jesus Christ: What you do with the Jesus factor determines what happens after death. It is not enough to be a preacher, prophesy, be good or even give to the church. E.g. Matthew 7:21-22: Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' You must be born again.
HOW CAN YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR DESTINY CONNECTORS
1. Be Nice To People: You may not know who God is going to use as your destiny connector. Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” E.g. If the household of Naaman was unkind to that little slave girl, do you think she will empathize with them regarding Naaman’s sickness? What if the Shunammite woman had not entertained Elisha the “stranger”?
2. Avoid Pride: Pride repels God & man. Pro. 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Pride chases away destiny connectors. Pride would have hindered Naaman from receiving his healing, if not for the persuasion of his servants. Pride makes people hide useful information from you. Be humble.
3. Help People Solve Their Problems: If you want to connect with your destiny connectors, you have to be compassionate. Never walk away from anybody in trouble, rather try and see how you can help. As you help people solve problems, they are most likely to speak about you when others have such problems. Such recommendation may be an answer to your prayers. If Joseph had ignored the problem of the chief butler, he would have missed his destiny connector. Matt. 5:7: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
4. Pray That God Will Send You The Right Destiny Connectors: He has promised to give you what you ask in prayers (Matthew 7:7).
5. Run From Sins: Joseph separated himself from sinning. Run from friends that cause you to sin.
6. Demonstrate Godly Character In Every Situation: Despite that Joseph was in needs, yet he does not rob his master. He was faithful in his doing and to everyone around him.
7. Exhibit Aggressive Prayer: There is power in prayer. The more you pray the more you get connected with your divine helpers of uncommon favor. Don’t be silent. When you speak to heaven, the heaven will open and response to your inquiry.
IF YOU DESIRE DESTINY CONNECTORS, PRAY THESE PRAYERS:
1. O Lord send me destiny connectors in Jesus name.
2. I shall not miss my destiny connectors in Jesus name.
3. Father open my eyes to my destiny connectors in Jesus name.
4. If I have missed my destiny connectors, O Lord redirect their steps back to me in Jesus name.
5. My destiny connectors shall be restless until they help me in Jesus name.
6. My character shall not chase away my destiny connectors in Jesus name.
THE AARONIC BLESSINGS
Numbers 6:23–27: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 27 “So shall the name of the Lord be upon you and bless you. Amen.
