HELPERS OF DESTINY VS. HINDERERS OF DESTINY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Nehemiah 4:1-3
"But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall."
Supporting Texts: 2 Samuel 9:1-7, Acts 9:26-27, Matthew 16:23, 2 Timothy 4:14-17
INTRODUCTION
In every journey of life, destiny helpers and destiny hinderers play significant roles. Helpers of destiny are divinely positioned individuals who assist, support, and propel you towards your God-ordained purpose. These people can open doors, provide resources, offer guidance, or stand in the gap for you.
On the other hand, hinderers of destiny are those who oppose, discourage, or try to stop the fulfilment of God's plan for your life. These individuals can come in the form of critics, envious rivals, or those who manipulate situations to slow you down. Nehemiah faced such opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
Understanding the difference between helpers and hinderers of destiny is crucial because it enables us to embrace the right relationships while resisting and overcoming negative influences. The people around you can either accelerate or delay your progress in life.
1. HELPERS OF DESTINY: GOD’S AGENTS FOR LIFTING
Destiny helpers are God-sent individuals who contribute positively to your journey in life.
a) Divine connectors – These are people who may not help you directly but will link you to those who can (1 Samuel 9:6-8).
b) Burden bearers – These helpers support you in difficult times, just as Aaron and Hur lifted Moses’ hands (Exodus 17:12).
c) Financial helpers – Some people are positioned to provide financial resources to advance your destiny (Luke 8:2-3).
d) Spiritual mentors and intercessors – These individuals pray and guide you towards fulfilling God's plan (2 Timothy 1:6).
e) Biblical Example: Jonathan and David – Jonathan was a true destiny helper to David, protecting him from Saul (1 Samuel 18:3-4).
2. HINDERERS OF DESTINY: ENEMIES OF PROGRESS
Destiny hinderers are those who seek to slow down, destroy, or obstruct your progress in life.
a) Mockers and discouragers – These individuals ridicule your efforts and try to weaken your resolve (Nehemiah 4:1-3).
b) Betrayers and saboteurs – Some people pretend to be friends but work behind the scenes to hinder your progress (Luke 22:3-6).
c) Envious and competitive rivals – These are people who fight against your rising due to jealousy (Genesis 37:4).
d) Manipulative and controlling individuals – Some people try to manipulate and limit your growth, just as Laban did to Jacob (Genesis 31:7).
e) Biblical Example: Sanballat and Tobiah – They mocked Nehemiah’s work and attempted to stop him (Nehemiah 4:7-8).
3. HOW TO IDENTIFY DESTINY HELPERS AND HINDERERS
Recognising those who are sent to help you and those who are sent to hinder you is key to fulfilling destiny.
a) Destiny helpers encourage and uplift you – They speak words of faith and push you towards your purpose (Acts 9:27).
b) Destiny hinderers cause fear and doubt – They constantly remind you of obstacles and limitations (Numbers 13:31-33).
c) Destiny helpers are selfless and sacrificial – They invest in your growth without selfish motives (Ruth 2:8-10).
d) Destiny hinderers seek control and dominance – They want to manipulate you to serve their own interests (Acts 16:16-18).
e) Biblical Example: Mordecai and Haman – Mordecai helped Esther fulfil her destiny, while Haman sought to destroy her people (Esther 4:13-14, 5:9).
4. OVERCOMING DESTINY HINDERERS
The presence of destiny hinderers should not stop your progress; they must be confronted spiritually and strategically.
a) Stay focused on your God-given assignment – Distractions from enemies should not derail you (Nehemiah 6:3).
b) Engage in fervent prayers – Destiny is a battle; prayer strengthens you to overcome hindrances (Matthew 17:21).
c) Maintain godly relationships – Surround yourself with people who build rather than destroy you (Proverbs 27:17).
d) Walk in wisdom and discernment – Ask God for wisdom in dealing with difficult people (James 1:5).
e) Biblical Example: Jesus and Peter – Jesus rebuked Peter when he spoke contrary to His destiny (Matthew 16:23).
5. ALIGNING WITH GOD FOR DIVINE HELP
Ultimately, the greatest destiny helper is God Himself. Aligning with Him ensures that human destiny helpers locate you.
a) Commit your ways to the Lord – God orders the steps of the righteous (Proverbs 3:5-6).
b) Walk in obedience and faith – Divine help comes to those who obey God’s instructions (Isaiah 1:19).
c) Maintain a life of thanksgiving and praise – Gratitude attracts divine assistance (Psalm 100:4).
d) Avoid bitterness and offence – Offence can block the flow of destiny helpers in your life (Hebrews 12:15).
e) Biblical Example: Mephibosheth’s Restoration – Despite his forgotten state, God used David to restore him (2 Samuel 9:1-7).
CONCLUSION
The journey of destiny is filled with both helpers and hinderers. Identifying the right people and dealing wisely with the wrong ones is crucial for fulfilling God’s plan for your life. Like Nehemiah, we must remain focused, resist distractions, and depend on God’s favour to attract the right helpers while overcoming opposition.
As you move forward in life, pray for discernment, embrace those sent to help you, and boldly resist those who try to hinder you. God has already positioned the right people to assist you—may you never miss them in Jesus' name!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, connect me to my destiny helpers in this season.
2. Lord, expose and remove every destiny hinderer around me.
3. Father, grant me discernment to recognise those sent to help or hinder me.
4. Lord, strengthen my hands to complete my divine assignment without distraction.
5. Father, let divine favour open doors of help and opportunities for me.
