From Breath to LIfe

Have you ever found yourself in a place you didn't want to be, wondering why God brought you there? Perhaps you're facing a situation that feels hopeless, surrounded by metaphorical dry bones of lost dreams, failed relationships, or shattered expectations. Take heart, for it is often in these valleys that God does His most profound work.

The biblical account of Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones offers a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of God's word and obedience to His call. Picture a vast expanse filled with sun-bleached bones, scattered as far as the eye can see. This is where God placed Ezekiel, not as punishment, but as an opportunity for miraculous transformation.
It's crucial to understand that not every valley we encounter is one we need to escape.

Sometimes, God intentionally leads us into challenging situations to grow us, shape us, and prepare us for greater things. Just as Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness immediately after His baptism, we too may find ourselves in spiritual deserts or valleys of trials.

The key is to recognize that God's presence is with us in these difficult places. Instead of constantly asking, "God, why am I here?" we should be attuned to His voice, ready to hear what He wants to teach us or do through us in that very place.

In the valley of dry bones, God asked Ezekiel a profound question: "Can these bones live?" This wasn't because God didn't know the answer, but because He wanted Ezekiel to recognize that the power of resurrection was standing right in front of him. How often do we stand in the midst of our own "valleys," complaining about our circumstances, when the solution – God Himself – is right there with us?

God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones, to speak life into a situation that seemed utterly devoid of hope. This is a powerful reminder for us today. What areas of your life seem dry, dead, or beyond repair? Your marriage? Your finances? Your health? Your relationship with your children? God is calling you to speak His word of life over these situations.

It's important to note that it wasn't Ezekiel's faith that created the miracle in the valley – it was his obedience. When God told him to prophesy, Ezekiel did so, even though the situation seemed impossible. This teaches us a valuable lesson: we don't need to have it all figured out or feel super-spiritual to see God move. We simply need to obey His instructions.

The process of restoration in the valley was gradual. First, the bones came together. Then tendons and flesh appeared. But there was still no breath – no life. God then instructed

Ezekiel to prophesy again, this time calling for the breath to enter the bodies. This two-step process reminds us that sometimes, God's work in our lives happens in stages. We need to persist in faith and obedience, even when we don't see the full manifestation of what we're believing for immediately.

This account also highlights the power of God's word. As believers, we have access to the living, breathing word of God. When we speak Scripture over our situations, we are releasing the very breath of God into our circumstances. Consider these powerful verses:

  • "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." (Isaiah 40:29)
  • "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
  • "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
  • "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14)
  • "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
These aren't just nice sayings – they are life-giving declarations that can breathe vitality into the driest parts of our lives.

It's time for us to stop merely praying for revival and start embodying it. Too often, we've misunderstood revival as something that happens to others – the lost coming to faith en masse. But true revival starts with the people of God. It's about us being revived, refreshed, and recommitted to our calling.

God is calling us to prophesy life into the dead areas around us. This isn't about mustering up more faith; it's about stepping out in obedience and allowing God's word to flow through us. Just as in CPR, where the rescuer breathes life into the person who's not breathing, we are called to speak God's breath of life into situations that seem lifeless.

Remember, Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). This is not a guarantee that we'll get everything we want, but rather an invitation to align our prayers with God's will and speak in faith, believing that He is able to bring life out of death.

As you go about your week, challenge yourself to speak life into every situation you encounter. Instead of complaining about problems, prophesy God's solutions. Rather than focusing on what's wrong, declare what God says is possible. You may be surprised at how the atmosphere around you begins to change as you consistently speak the breath of God into your circumstances.

In conclusion, don't be discouraged if you find yourself in a valley. God may have brought you there for a purpose. Open your eyes to see Him standing with you, ready to breathe life into what seems dead. Your valley of dry bones could be on the verge of becoming a vast army of purpose and promise. All it takes is your willingness to hear God's voice and obediently speak His word. Are you ready to prophesy to the breath?