When God Sends Uncommon Helpers Series

WHEN GOD SENDS UNCOMMON HELPERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 17:9-16

"Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee." (1 Kings 17:9)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 45:1-3, Exodus 17:12-13, 2 Kings 5:1-3, Acts 9:10-18, Luke 10:33-35

INTRODUCTION

Divine help does not always come from expected sources. Sometimes, God chooses to send assistance through channels we least anticipate. In 1 Kings 17:9-16, God commanded a widow—a seemingly weak and needy person—to provide for Elijah during a famine. This was an uncommon helper, yet she played a critical role in sustaining the prophet.

Uncommon helpers are those whom God positions to bless us in extraordinary ways. They may be unlikely individuals, such as strangers, people of lower status, or even those outside our faith. The key is recognising them when they appear.

God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and He often uses unusual means to provide for His children. This sermon explores the mystery of uncommon helpers, how to recognise them, and how to position ourselves to receive divine help.

1. GOD CHOOSES UNCOMMON HELPERS FOR HIS PURPOSE

God often selects unexpected people as instruments of help.

a) God's Ways Are Beyond Human Understanding – The widow of Zarephath was not wealthy, yet she was chosen to sustain Elijah (1 Kings 17:9-16).

b) Help May Come from Unexpected Places – The Good Samaritan helped when the priest and Levite ignored the wounded man (Luke 10:33-35).

c) God Uses the Weak to Confound the Strong – A little maid led Naaman to his healing through Elisha (2 Kings 5:2-3).

d) Even Outsiders Can Be Divine Helpers – Cyrus, a Persian king, was used by God to rebuild the temple (Isaiah 45:1-3).

e) Biblical Example: Rahab Helped the Spies – A Canaanite woman became a helper in God’s divine plan (Joshua 2:1-21).

2. UNCOMMON HELPERS BRING SUPERNATURAL PROVISION

God’s provision often comes through people we least expect.

a) Divine Provision Comes Through Obedience – Elijah obeyed God’s instruction and received food from the widow (1 Kings 17:9-16).

b) God Uses the Unlikely to Perform Miracles – The little boy’s five loaves and two fishes fed thousands (John 6:9-13).

c) Uncommon Helpers Are Positioned by God – Ruth, a Moabite, found favour with Boaz, leading to divine provision (Ruth 2:8-10).

d) What Seems Insufficient Can Become Abundant – The widow’s oil multiplied when she followed Elisha’s instructions (2 Kings 4:1-7).

e) Biblical Example: Manna in the Wilderness – God provided food for Israel in a miraculous way (Exodus 16:14-18).

3. UNCOMMON HELPERS FACILITATE DESTINY ADVANCEMENT

Some helpers are sent to move you closer to your divine purpose.

a) Help at the Right Time Leads to Destiny Fulfilment – Pharaoh’s servant remembered Joseph at the right moment (Genesis 41:9-14).

b) Divine Help Can Break Stagnation – The man at the pool of Bethesda remained stuck until Jesus helped him (John 5:5-9).

c) God Uses Relationships to Open Doors – Mordecai’s counsel helped Esther become queen and save her people (Esther 2:10-17).

d) Your Helper May Not Look Like One at First – The disciples doubted Jesus, but He was their greatest helper (Luke 24:13-31).

e) Biblical Example: Barnabas Helped Paul’s Ministry – He introduced Paul to the apostles, opening doors for his ministry (Acts 9:26-27).

4. HOW TO RECOGNISE AND RECEIVE UNCOMMON HELPERS

It takes spiritual sensitivity to identify those God has sent.

a) Discernment Is Key – Elijah recognised the widow as his helper because God had spoken (1 Kings 17:9-10).

b) Avoid Judging by Physical Appearance – Samuel almost anointed the wrong person because of outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:6-7).

c) Remain in the Place of Prayer – Cornelius’ prayers led to divine visitation through Peter (Acts 10:1-6).

d) Be Open to God’s Unusual Methods – Peter was reluctant to accept Gentiles, but God showed him otherwise (Acts 10:9-20).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham Welcomed Angels – His hospitality brought divine blessings (Genesis 18:1-10).

5. POSITIONING YOURSELF TO RECEIVE UNCOMMON HELPERS

Receiving help requires spiritual alignment.

a) Obedience to Divine Instructions – The widow obeyed Elijah and received provision (1 Kings 17:15-16).

b) Maintain a Lifestyle of Humility – Naaman humbled himself before Elisha and received healing (2 Kings 5:10-14).

c) Sow Seeds of Kindness – Dorcas was raised from the dead because of her good works (Acts 9:36-41).

d) Stay Connected to the Right People – The lame man at the Beautiful Gate received help through Peter and John (Acts 3:1-7).

e) Biblical Example: Jonathan Helped David – His covenant friendship preserved David’s destiny (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

CONCLUSION

God’s help is not always packaged in ways we expect. Sometimes, He sends people who seem incapable, weak, or unrelated to our situation to bring the breakthrough we need. Recognising and embracing these divine connections is crucial to walking in God’s provision.