I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? — Jeremiah 32:27

Have you ever taken an anatomy class? Many of us probably have, but have you taken an anatomy class that works on human cadavers.

When you are standing over the body it may come into your mind that the only difference between the body of the woman lying on the table and you is life. All of the parts were there—her muscles, tissues, and bones—but her spirit was gone. God is the one who breathes life into us, and without his Spirit indwelling our hearts, we are dead inside. The prophet Ezekiel also had an unforgettable encounter with a set of bones. The Lord led him to a valley that was covered with them and asked, “Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezek. 37:3). Notice that the Lord doesn’t say, “Are these bones alive?” It is quite obvious they aren’t. They are dead. All dried up. Useless.

Ezekiel isn’t too sure where the Lord is going with his line of questioning, so he plays it safe and says, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know” (v. 3). Ezekiel doesn’t answer the Lord’s question with a bold and confident yes because he can’t see beyond the natural process of death so clearly evident before him. His perspective is limited. However, the Lord doesn’t condemn Ezekiel for his lack of faith. Instead, in his love and mercy, he gives Ezekiel a vision of what can happen when God enters a seemingly hopeless situation.

The Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, to command them to come to life. As Ezekiel speaks, he hears a rattling sound. The bones are moving! They come together, one by one. Flesh and tendons appear; skin covers them. However, the bodies are still dead.

Again the Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy and to call forth the breath of life When Ezekiel commands the breath to enter into the bodies, a vast army stands before him—hundreds of living, breathing human beings. Now Ezekiel can answer God’s question with complete confidence: “Yes! These bones can live!”

Like Ezekiel, you may find yourself standing in the middle of a valley of dry bones. You can’t see beyond what is right in front of you. God wants to change your viewpoint. Whatever you are facing may seem hopeless, but it’s not. Whether it’s a lifeless marriage, a dead-end job, or an uncertain future, the Lord wants to speak life into your situation. Put your trust in his Word, and watch the God of the universe do amazing things.

Prayer for Today

God, I put my trust in you today. Even when situations in my life seem hopeless, I know that nothing is too difficult for you!

Verses for additional study:

Job 33:4

Proverbs 14:30

Romans 4:17