The Lodestar

The Lord took Ezekiel around that valley, and there was a profound absence of life. It was a harrowing experience walking among dry bones strewn everywhere. Touching these dry bones, a task that would defile anyone, was especially poignant for him, a young priest by profession. When the Lord asked, “Will these bones live again?” Ezekiel found himself unable to recall any historical instance when such a miraculous event had occurred.

The dry bones, a powerful metaphor, symbolised the nation of Israel, now in Babylonian exile. He was one of those exiles, desilting the irrigation canals in Babylon as a slave labourer. He saw the number of Jews in exile swell up as more deportees arrived when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians for the second time around 587 B.C., and the Temple was reduced to ashes.

Most of us can relate to Ezekiel. When our dreams, ambitions, and all we have crumble, we can see no way out of the rubble. It could be the loss of a dear one in the family, loss of a job, repeated miscarriages, chronic illness, financial struggles, or any other personal crisis. There may be seasons in our lives when we must roam around the valley of dry bones, thinking there is no life there.

Ezekiel could have answered God’s question with “yes” or “no.” But he chose not to feign knowledge or ignorance. Instead, he surrendered, understanding that if anyone held the power to reverse the situation, to transform bones back into bodies, it was the creator of these bones. So, he raised his hands in humble acceptance, whispering, “Lord, you know.” This act of surrender, of placing his trust in the divine, was the catalyst for the miraculous transformation that followed.

When the Lord guides us to situations where we must navigate the ruins of our former lives, we must learn to recognise His presence in the valley. Instead of asserting our own opinions, we should, like Job, cover our mouths (Job 40:4) and allow the Lord to speak. This act of surrender is the key that unlocks the door to the miraculous transformations that only God can bring about. The bones unite, come to life, and stand up like a mighty army, a testament to the power of divine intervention.

Dear friend, you find yourself today walking through your own valley of dry bones — a season where hope seems distant and restoration unimaginable. Like Ezekiel, you may not have the answers, and that is okay. What matters is whom you turn to in such moments.

Will you, today, echo Ezekiel’s words and say, “Lord, you know”? Will you surrender the broken pieces of your life to the One who can breathe life into lifeless places?

Take a quiet moment to invite God into your valley. Trust that what seems beyond repair is never beyond His reach. If this message has spoken to your heart, share it with someone who may be wandering their own valley — and let hope rise again, one surrendered prayer at a time.

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