DIVINE HELPERS IN UNLIKELY PLACES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Samuel 22:1-2
"David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men."
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 45:3, 1 Kings 17:9-16, Judges 11:1-3, Genesis 41:9-14, Acts 9:10-18
INTRODUCTION
God often provides help from unexpected sources and through people we least expect. Divine helpers do not always come as wealthy benefactors or influential figures. Sometimes, they are found in unlikely places—individuals whom society has overlooked, rejected, or considered insignificant.
David experienced this reality when he fled to the cave of Adullam. At a moment when he needed strong allies, God sent him men who were distressed, in debt, and discontented. Yet, these same men later became mighty warriors who helped establish his kingdom. This shows that God’s ways are not man’s ways—He uses unlikely vessels to accomplish His purposes.
Recognising and embracing divine helpers, no matter how unlikely they may seem, is crucial to fulfilling our destiny. Many have missed their season of breakthrough because they rejected help based on outward appearance. This study will explore the ways God sends helpers from unexpected places and how to receive them with discernment.
1. GOD USES THE REJECTED TO HELP THE CHOSEN
God often raises helpers from the most unexpected backgrounds.
a) Helpers may come from despised backgrounds – God does not look at status but at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
b) Many helpers are initially broken people – Those God sends may not appear capable at first (Judges 11:1-3).
c) Divine connections often happen in adversity – David found his helpers in a cave, not a palace (1 Samuel 22:1-2).
d) God uses the weak to confound the strong – The people David trained became mighty men of valour (1 Chronicles 12:1-2).
e) Biblical Example: Jephthah’s band of outcasts – Jephthah, rejected by his brothers, later led those who once despised him (Judges 11:1-11).
2. DIVINE HELPERS MAY NOT LOOK LIKE HELPERS AT FIRST
The people God sends may not initially appear as assets but may require patience and investment.
a) Helpers may come as burdens before they become blessings – David had to train and nurture his men (2 Samuel 23:8-39).
b) They may lack resources at first – Elijah's helper was a poor widow (1 Kings 17:9-16).
c) They may seem like adversaries before revealing their true purpose – Paul was a persecutor before he became a helper to the church (Acts 9:10-18).
d) They may come in unusual forms or places – God can use even servants or strangers (2 Kings 5:2-3).
e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s prison connection – His helper was a forgotten prisoner who later introduced him to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:9-14).
3. GOD CAN SEND HELP FROM PLACES OF AFFLICTION
Many times, our greatest help comes from seasons of difficulty.
a) The place of hiding can be a place of divine connection – David met his mighty men while fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 22:1-2).
b) Times of affliction prepare helpers for their role – The disciples were ordinary men until they were empowered (Acts 4:13).
c) The most unexpected places carry hidden treasures – God has riches stored in dark places (Isaiah 45:3).
d) Disappointments can lead to divine appointments – Paul’s imprisonment led to his ministry expanding (Philippians 1:12-14).
e) Biblical Example: Ruth’s blessing in Boaz’s field – In a foreign land, she met her destiny helper (Ruth 2:8-10).
4. DISCERNING AND HONOURING DIVINE HELPERS
Not every unlikely person is a helper, so discernment is needed.
a) Pray for wisdom to recognise helpers – Not all who come are divinely sent (1 John 4:1).
b) Honour and respect even those who seem insignificant – Many helpers are disguised as servants (Matthew 25:40).
c) Be open to relationships beyond social status – Cornelius, a centurion, received guidance from Peter, a fisherman (Acts 10:1-8).
d) Do not despise small beginnings – The mustard seed grows into a mighty tree (Zechariah 4:10).
e) Biblical Example: Naaman’s servant girl – A slave girl pointed Naaman to his healing (2 Kings 5:2-3).
5. WHEN YOU BECOME SOMEONE ELSE’S DIVINE HELPER
As God sends people to help us, He also calls us to help others.
a) We are blessed to be a blessing – Abraham was called to be a channel of blessing (Genesis 12:2).
b) Sometimes, helping others unlocks our own breakthrough – Job was restored when he prayed for his friends (Job 42:10).
c) Supporting others brings divine reward – Rahab’s kindness to the spies led to her salvation (Joshua 2:12-14).
d) Investing in others ensures a future harvest – Paul raised Timothy, who later strengthened the church (2 Timothy 2:2).
e) Biblical Example: Barnabas and Paul – Barnabas helped Paul gain acceptance among the apostles (Acts 9:26-27).
CONCLUSION
God often sends help from the most unexpected sources. Many times, our divine helpers are found in unlikely places—among the rejected, the broken, and those facing their own struggles. Just as David’s mighty men started as outcasts but became his strongest allies, we must learn to recognise and embrace God-sent helpers, no matter how they appear.
As we journey in life, let us pray for the grace to discern, honour, and nurture our destiny helpers. Likewise, we must position ourselves to be helpers to others, knowing that in giving, we also receive. May God open our eyes to divine helpers in unexpected places!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, open my eyes to recognise the divine helpers You have placed in my life.
2. Lord, remove every spirit of pride that may cause me to despise my helpers.
3. Father, connect me to my destiny helpers and disconnect me from destiny hinderers.
4. Lord, grant me wisdom to honour and nurture those You have sent to help me.
5. Father, make me a divine helper to others and use me for Your glory.
