I’m a learner. I just love learning. It's one of my top StrengthsFinder strengths, which is probably why I have so many hobbies! When I get interested in something, I don't just dip my toe in—I go deep and all of a sudden, I have another hobby. I’ll read the books, watch the videos, and find the expert. I love the process of figuring things out.
And as I’m learning, there is a big difference between learning about someone and learning from them. I can read every book on a master craftsman, but it's completely different to stand in the workshop with them, to see them work, to see what they see.
What if that’s how it is with our Heavenly Father? What if He’s inviting us past just learning about Him—collecting facts—and into a place where we are learning from Him, moment by moment? A place where we learn to see what He sees, and do what He does?
Because sometimes, God calls us into situations that look impossible. That’s what happens to Ezekiel in chapter 37. God takes him to a valley full of bones. And the Bible says they were “very dry.” That’s code for hopelessly, impossibly dead. And right there, God asks Ezekiel a wild question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” Do you see hope in these dead things?
The world is full of dry bones. How can God use us if we get discouraged by dry bones? He wants to send us as light and hope, and Ezekiel gives us a model to follow.
First, ask to see what God sees. In Ezekiel 37:2, God “led him back and forth among [the dry bones].” He gave him the full tour of the problem. Our first step isn't to ignore the mess, but to ask God to let us see it from His perspective. To see the potential He sees.
Second, listen to hear what God says. After seeing the impossible, Ezekiel didn't offer a plan or complain. He just got quiet and said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” He created space to hear from Heaven. We often see a problem and immediately start blaming and worrying. But what if God is just waiting for us to be quiet long enough to hear His strategy?
Third, say what God is saying. God tells Ezekiel, “Prophesy to these bones.” Speak to the dead things! It sounds crazy. But verse 7 says, “So I prophesied as I was commanded.” He didn't add his commentary. He just spoke God’s words. And what happened? A rattling sound! Bone connected to bone! Life began to stir, not from Ezekiel's power, but because he was obedient to speak God's powerful Word. See. Listen. Say.
This whole story is a giant arrow pointing straight to Jesus. He is the one who steps into the valley of our sin and death and speaks life. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life! He only did what He saw the Father doing and only spoke what the Father was saying. The power that brought those bones together is the same power that raised Jesus from the grave, and it’s the same power that lives in you right now.
So as we pray, what valley of dry bones is God showing you? Your marriage, finances, a relationship, a neighbor, your spiritual walk? Don’t just stare at the bones. Ask God, “Let me see this the way you see it.” Then get quiet, listen, and find the courage to speak His life-giving truth over it.
And as we pray for our church, let’s speak life over Sunday, pray over the Men's and Women’s Ministry events, over Ignite. Pray God connects 'bone to bone' in new friendships and strengthens relationships, and that His Word breathes new life into every person. Let's pray for one another, that we aren't discouraged by what we see, but are moved by what God says.