Receiving Help from Unlikely Sources

A preacher once shared his experience of receiving unexpected assistance during a difficult moment. He described his helpers as "men in the form of ravens."

The raven, a large, glossy black bird often associated with greed and aggression, is ironically used in Scripture as an example of God's provision and care (Job 38:41; Luke 12:24). Similarly, the preacher’s story revealed how God’s help sometimes comes from the most unexpected places.

During his undergraduate years, he was more dedicated to ministry than academics. Among his lecturers and peers, he was well-known as a preacher. However, this devotion came at a cost—he struggled with his coursework.

When the time came for his project defense, he was unprepared. The weight of his ministry had left him with little time to study. As he waited for his turn, he skimmed through his work, realizing that what he had read wasn’t enough. Feeling helpless, he whispered a prayer.

Standing before the stern and demanding panel, he was unsure how to begin. Yet, as he spoke, the expressions of his colleagues and lecturers hinted that something remarkable was happening—even though he had no idea if what he was saying made sense.

When it was time for grading, he braced himself. Surprisingly, the lenient lecturers—whom he expected to be compassionate—criticized him harshly. But the strictest, most feared professors defended him! A heated debate ensued. The lenient professors insisted he should receive an "E" since he had prioritized ministry over academics. However, the strict ones argued that if he could manage both effectively, he deserved an "A."

Lost in their argument, they forgot he was still in the room. Eventually, the stricter lecturers convinced their colleagues, and he walked out with an "A"—awarded not by those he expected to support him, but by those he feared the most.

Read: Christian Fiction - Masquerades

My Experience

A similar situation happened to me during my second teaching practicum. I was assigned to teach Computer Science to JSS1 students.

Looking back nearly a decade later, I still remember the fear that gripped me when I learned that a notoriously harsh lecturer would be supervising my teaching practicum.

My past encounter with her was unsettling—she had once responded to a polite "Good morning, ma" with a cold, "What is good about the morning?" My friends also recounted their bad experiences with her, which only deepened my anxiety.

Determined not to fail, I studied intensely as if preparing for a major exam. I fasted throughout the week, not knowing when she would show up for my evaluation.

Finally, the dreaded day arrived. Armed with just a piece of paper, a laptop, and a marker, I stepped into the classroom. My lesson note rested on her desk, and she sat at the back, arms folded, eyes fixed on me.

I taught about function keys, using my laptop to demonstrate their usage. Immersed in my lesson, I barely noticed that she had shifted her attention from me to my lesson note. She scribbled furiously, making me anxious.

When I finished, she called me over. To my utter shock, she smiled—a rare sight! "I love the way you teach," she said. "You have command of the class. I appreciate that you used a practical approach; it shows deep understanding. Keep up the good work!"

I was stunned. The same woman I feared had just praised me!

As I walked out, my colleagues swarmed around me, commenting on how confident I had seemed. They had no idea I had been fidgeting the entire time, barely holding onto my paper. I had even gripped the desk before starting to steady myself.

Stepping outside, I felt the scorching breeze turn cool, and my lost appetite returned like a rushing wind.

Lessons Learned

Through these experiences, I realized that God can use unexpected people—even those we fear—to bless and assist us. Sometimes, our help comes from the least likely sources.

Have you ever experienced something similar? How did it turn out? I’d love to hear your story!

This article was written by Oluwadamilola Oluwatunmininu Ajayi. You can read her profile here and read other articles by her here.