Help from Unexpected Places

Sometimes the resources we need don’t come from the places we expect. When God gives you the vision, He’s already prepared the provision—it just might arrive from unexpected people, places, and plans.

In this message, “Help From Unexpected Places,” Bishop reminds us that divine help isn’t always familiar. Solomon’s ability to build the temple of God came not only from heavenly wisdom but also from earthly workers sent by Hiram, the king of Tyre. God used a foreign king—an outsider—to supply the materials, manpower, and skill needed to fulfill a spiritual mission.

The backstory begins with King David. When David ascended to the throne, Hiram recognized the favor on his life and sent resources—cedarwood, masons, and carpenters—to help build David’s house (2 Samuel 5:11–12). Years later, that same favor flowed to David’s son Solomon. Because Hiram had honored David, he extended help again—this time to build God’s house.

Key Insight: Favor will finance your vision.
Before help builds the ministry, it first builds the man. God connects people to you not because of what you have, but because of what He has placed on you.

Main Points

I. Unfamiliar People – 1 Kings 5:1

• God will often use strangers to strengthen saints.
• Those too familiar with you may fail to recognize the anointing you carry.
• Hiram was an outsider who saw what others didn’t—God’s favor on Solomon’s life.
• Notes:
  1. Favor doesn’t have to be familiar.
  2. Don’t reject your designer help because it doesn’t wear your label.
  3. Your favor may follow your lineage—Hiram blessed Solomon because he loved David.
• Takeaway: God can send help through people who don’t look, sound, or worship like you.

II. Unfamiliar Places – 1 Kings 5:6

• Tyre was a wealthy, coastal trading city—a marketplace powerhouse.
• Everything Solomon needed for this next level came from one place outside his borders.
• Sometimes your blessing is a marketplace connection, not a ministry one.
• God can use secular systems to supply spiritual assignments.

Declaration: “It’s coming from out there!”

III. Unfamiliar Plans – 2 Chronicles 2:13–14

• Hiram didn’t just send materials—he sent people with wisdom, craftsmanship, and understanding.
• Huram (also called Hiram) was a hybrid helper: half Israelite, half Tyrian—skilled in metalwork, design, and architecture.
• Some people are divinely designed for your breakthrough—they carry a mix of experiences perfectly suited for your need.
• Solomon had the vision, but Hiram had the hands.

Truth: When God gives you the plan, He’s already prepared the people.

Conclusion

David’s help looked like warriors, but Solomon’s help looked like workers.
Whether it’s a familiar face or a foreign friend, don’t limit how God can send help your way.

3 Key Reminders:

1. Expect unfamiliar people
2. Expect unfamiliar places
3. Expect unfamiliar plans

God’s next move in your life may come from the least likely direction—so keep your heart open, your faith ready, and your hands prepared to receive help from unexpected places.