When life presents obstacles that seem insurmountable, it’s comforting to know that there are countless examples of divine help in the Bible. Whether it’s a small blessing or an incredible miracle, the Bible offers hope that a higher power is looking out for us.
In this article, we will explore ten powerful examples of divine help from the Old Testament to the New Testament. These stories showcase moments of faith, miracles, and the intervention of a higher power.
Join us as we delve into these inspiring accounts that demonstrate the unwavering belief in the divine and the manifestations of divine assistance.
Hagar’s Divine Comfort and Guidance
As a servant and outcast, Hagar experienced divine help twice in her life. In Genesis 16 and 21, an angel of the Lord provided her with guidance and reassurance, showing the power of divine intervention in moments of distress.
In Genesis 16, Hagar flees from her mistress Sarah’s mistreatment and encounters an angel of the Lord who tells her to return and submit to Sarah. The angel promises her that she will have an abundant number of descendants and that her son will be called Ishmael.
Similarly, in Genesis 21, Hagar and her son Ishmael are sent away by Abraham and Sarah. Once again, an angel of the Lord appears to her and provides her with water and reassurance. The angel tells her that God has heard Ishmael’s cries and promises that he will become a great nation.
“You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.” – Genesis 16:11
Through these instances of angelic appearances, Hagar received the comfort and guidance necessary to overcome her struggles. She discovered a path that led her to safety and hope, showcasing the power of divine help in times of need.
Gideon’s Miraculous Victory
Gideon was called to lead Israel in the battle against Midianites. Despite his initial hesitation, Gideon received divine help through signs and strategic guidance from God. The Midianites had an army of 135,000, whereas Gideon could muster only 32,000 soldiers.
God instructed Gideon to reduce his army to just 300 men, a drastic reduction that further increased the odds against them. Gideon followed God’s commands. The night before the battle, God encouraged Gideon, telling him that with His help, he would emerge victorious.
“The Lord said to Gideon, ‘I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home.’” – Judges 7:7
Through divine help, Gideon and his small army attacked the Midianites, and God caused confusion in the enemy’s camp. Fearing for their lives, the Midianites fled. The Israelites pursued and defeated them, with God’s help.
General Overview of Gideon’s Miraculous Victory
| Events | Details |
|---|---|
| Gideon’s army | Initially had 32,000 soldiers |
| Reduction of army | Following God’s command, reduced the army to just 300 |
| Divine intervention | God caused confusion in the enemy’s camp, leading to their defeat |
| Victory | The Israelites emerged victorious with divine help |
Gideon’s miraculous victory is a testament to the power of faith and divine help. Despite facing an impossible situation, Gideon trusted in God, who provided signs, strategic guidance, and divine intervention. The story of Gideon inspires us to have unwavering faith in God and trust in His divine assistance.
Jehoshaphat’s Assured Victory
In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, learned that an enormous army was coming to attack his kingdom. In response, Jehoshaphat turned to God and declared a fast for all his people to seek divine help through prayer.
| Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Key Individuals | Jehoshaphat, God, prophet Jahaziel |
| Location | Jerusalem and the wilderness of Tekoa |
| Outcome | God assured victory, and Judah did not have to fight the advancing army. Instead, the invading forces turned on each other. |
God answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer with a message delivered by Jahaziel the prophet, assuring him that the battle was not for him to fight.
Jehoshaphat and his people trusted God’s promise and went out to meet their enemies the next day, singing praises. They found that the Lord had gone ahead of them and defeated the enemy, leaving behind only dead bodies and spoil.
The story of Jehoshaphat’s unwavering faith and his reliance on divine help through prayer is an inspiring reminder that God is ready and willing to respond to us in times of need.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” – Jahaziel the prophet (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Elijah’s Divine Sustenance and Power
Throughout his life, Elijah experienced divine help in various ways. One remarkable example was when he was sustained by food brought by ravens while hiding from King Ahab (1 Kings 17:1-7). This unconventional provision demonstrated the power of God over nature.
Later, Elijah encountered the widow of Zarephath during a time of famine. Although she had very little food left, Elijah promised her that God would provide, and miraculously, her supply of flour and oil did not run out until the drought ended (1 Kings 17:8-16).
Lastly, Elijah’s most notable example of divine intervention was on Mount Carmel when he challenged the prophets of Baal to a showdown.
Despite being outnumbered, Elijah trusted in God and witnessed divine power that consumed his offering with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:20-40).
“Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” (1 Kings 18:37)
These accounts illustrate that divine help is available to those who trust in God’s power and provision. Elijah’s unwavering faith in God led to miraculous interventions and revealed God’s sovereignty over all things.
Peter’s Miraculous Release from Prison
As a leader in the early church, Peter was imprisoned by King Herod. The situation seemed dire, but the power of divine help was about to be displayed.
According to Acts 12:5-11, while Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, an angel of the Lord appeared and freed him from his chains. The angel instructed Peter to put on his sandals and cloak and follow him out of the cell.
Initially, Peter thought it was a vision, but he soon realized it was real when they passed the iron gate that led to the city. The angel then disappeared, and Peter was free.
The early church had been praying earnestly for Peter’s release, and their prayers were answered through divine intervention. This account showcases the power of faith in the face of persecution and the undeniable ability of divine help to change outcomes.
“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. ‘Quick, get up!’ he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.” – Acts 12:7
The Role of an Angel of the Lord in Peter’s Release
The angel of the Lord played a significant role in Peter’s release from prison. The Bible often portrays angels as messengers of God, sent to deliver important messages or instructions.
In this case, the angel was instrumental in freeing Peter from chains and leading him to safety.
The Significance of Peter’s Release for the Early Church
Peter’s miraculous release from prison had a profound impact on the early church. It reinforced their faith in God’s ability to intervene in difficult situations and strengthened their resolve to continue spreading the gospel, even amid persecution.
The power of divine help and the unwavering faith of the early church serve as an inspiration to believers today.
The Israelites’ Divine Escape at the Red Sea
Picture this: After years of slavery and living in fear under Pharaoh’s rule, the Israelites finally gained their freedom and commenced their journey to the Promised Land.
As they reached the shore of the Red Sea, they realized that Pharaoh’s army was right behind them. With nowhere to go, the Israelites were filled with despair and fear of their inevitable fate.
But divine help was on their side. God instructed Moses to stretch his hand over the sea while a strong wind blew, and the waters parted, creating a path of dry land for the Israelites to cross safely to the other side. The pillars of cloud and fire protected them from Pharaoh’s army and kept them safe throughout the night.
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land.” (Exodus 14:21, NIV)
When Pharaoh’s army attempted to pursue them, God commanded Moses to stretch his hand over the sea once more, and the waters closed back, engulfing Pharaoh’s army and ending their pursuit. The Israelites were saved, and Pharaoh’s army was defeated, showcasing the undeniable power of divine intervention.
| Key Takeaways | Biblical References |
|---|---|
| Divine help can come in unexpected ways in moments of despair and fear. | Exodus 14:21-31 |
| Following God’s instructions can create paths of deliverance and lead to safety. | Exodus 14:21-31 |
| Divine protection can serve as a shield against our enemies and keep us safe from harm. | Exodus 14:21-31 |
The Israelites’ miraculous escape at the Red Sea is a powerful testament to the unwavering love, power, and protection of God. Even in the darkest of moments, divine help can make a way, and with faith and trust, we too can overcome any obstacle in our path.
Daniel’s Deliverance from the Lion’s Den
Despite being ordered not to pray to God, Daniel refused to compromise his faith. As a result, he was thrown into a den of lions by King Darius, where he remained unharmed as divine intervention protected him.
Through divine help, Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God led to his miraculous deliverance. He emerged from the den unscathed and was able to declare his faith to the king, who saw the power of God through Daniel’s defiance.
This awe-inspiring story showcases the unwavering faith of Daniel and the manifestation of divine help. It is a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity and the unbreakable connection between God and His people.
“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”
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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s Fiery Furnace Miracle
In Daniel 3, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated the power of divine help in the face of grave danger. These three Hebrew men refused to worship a golden statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar, resulting in them being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Despite the intense heat, the men were unharmed, and a fourth figure appeared in the flames with them, resembling a divine being. The king was astonished and ordered their release, recognizing the power of the God they worshipped.
This miraculous event showcases the ability of divine help to overcome any challenge, even one as formidable as a fiery furnace. It also speaks to the importance of staying true to one’s faith, no matter the consequences.
The Widow’s Miraculous Multiplication of Oil
Have you ever needed help when you were at your lowest? The widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 knew this feeling all too well. She was in debt and had no means to pay it off, which meant that her sons would soon be taken as slaves. But divine help arrived in the form of the prophet Elisha.
Elisha asked the widow what she had in her house, to which she replied, “Your servant has nothing there at all.” However, she did have a small jar of olive oil. Elisha instructed her to gather as many empty jars as she could from her neighbors and start pouring the oil into them.
By divine assistance, the widow was able to miraculously multiply the oil, filling jar after jar until there were no more to be filled. She sold the oil, paid off her debts, and saved her sons from being taken as slaves. This account showcases the transformative power of God’s intervention.
Like the widow, we may find ourselves in need of divine help when we have nothing left. But, just as God provided for the widow, He can provide for us too. All we need to do is have faith, trust in His plan for our lives, and seek His guidance in prayer.
Whatsoever Things Are Lovely.
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