The Wind of Restoration

Focus: Spiritual Renewal

The morose scene of scattered skeletons, bones long since dried in the summer sun and weathered by the wind, tell the sad story of a defeat in battle. The awesome sense of lonely despair filled a valley of lost hopes and dashed dreams. In this loathsome landscape the Spirit of the Lord spoke to the prophet in a question, “Can these bones live?” Only daring to hope, his cautious faith is reflected in a guarded response, “O Lord GOD, You know” (Ezekiel 37:3).

The natural and logical answer would doubtlessly declare, “NO WAY.” These are merely strewn skeletal remains of what was once a routed host. It takes more than positive thinking to create hope in this desperate scene of defeat. Only faith views the impossible and speaks of things that are not as though they exist. It is not the concoction of our wishes but our reliance on the ability of God.

As the prophet prophesied, the wind of the Spirit blew life and restoration on the remnant of past defeats. Bones were rejoined, muscle and flesh returned to the slain, and life filled their lungs. The body of believers has suffered defeats and deaths. Intense battles of spiritual conflict have left the scattered remains of casualties. But, the winds of restoration are blowing again!

Some who have fallen, died, and dried, are now experiencing the stirring of life and the gentle breeze of resurrection. Revival has come. “Can they live again?” Our response may be the measured response of cautious faith like the prophet of Scripture, “Lord, you know,” but nurtured faith will grow to the firm declaration, “Lord, I believe!”

“With God all things are possible,” must become our firm conviction; “Nothing shall be impossible.” Faith will unleash the awesome power and ability of God and bring the latter day restoration of revival we have long desired!

May the hot breath of spiritual renewal continue to blow across the Tri-valley!