When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult, messy or broken situation? No one likes to deal with messes. No one enjoys straightening up, cleaning out and fixing things that are in horrible disorder and disrepair.

The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel describes one of these messy moments, and God’s response to it:

The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. –– Ezekiel 37:1, 2 (NLT)

God gave Ezekiel an interesting vision. He showed him an image of a valley filled with bones. The Bible says that bones were “scattered everywhere across the ground” and “were completely dried out.”

These words paint a picture of disorder, disrepair, and dysfunction. The valley was an ugly, messy, dead place. It was filled with the remains of what once had been alive and active, but now were lifeless and hopeless.

Then God asked Ezekiel an interesting question. God probed Ezekiel’s faith:

… Son of man, can these bones become living people again? –– Ezekiel 37:3a (NLT)

Ezekiel answered wisely:

… O Sovereign Lord, you alone know the answer to that. –– Ezekiel 37:3b (NLT)

The story continues with God’s instructions to the prophet. Ezekiel was commanded to speak God’s Word to these bones. As he did, something incredible and miraculous happened. These dry, scattered bones came together, flesh appeared on them and life entered them. What once had been a horrible, ugly and hopeless mess was quickly transformed and resurrected by the grace and power of God.

What’s the message for us?

Are you dealing with a difficult, messy or broken situation? Remember, whatever is a mess to you is a wonderful opportunity for God. Begin to declare the hope and life of God’s Word over your situation, and get ready for some amazing things to happen!

Pastor Dale

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