How can we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us like Ezekiel? Setting the Scene: The Holy Spirit and Ezekiel 37:1 “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones.” The verse records a literal moment: God’s hand rests on Ezekiel, the Spirit lifts and relocates him, and a desolate valley becomes the classroom for one of Scripture’s greatest revelations of resurrection power. What Ezekiel Experienced • The LORD’s hand rested on him—divine favor and commissioning • The Spirit transported him—supernatural guidance, not self-directed wandering • The prophet obeyed—no resistance, only yielded cooperation • History was shaped—Israel received hope of national and spiritual revival Inviting the Spirit’s Guidance Today 1. Yield your agenda • Psalm 25:4-5—“Make Your ways known to me… for You are the God of my salvation.” • Romans 12:1—Offer your body as a living sacrifice; the surrendered life becomes Spirit-steered. 2. Anchor everything in Scripture • John 6:63—“The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” • Acts 17:11—The Bereans tested teachings against the written Word; do the same to stay on course. 3. Pursue daily holiness • Galatians 5:16—Walk by the Spirit, and fleshly desires lose their grip. • 2 Timothy 2:21—A cleansed vessel is ready for every good work. 4. Cultivate prayerful attentiveness • Ephesians 6:18—Pray in the Spirit on all occasions. • Jude 20—Build yourself up, praying in the Holy Spirit; sensitivity grows through regular communion. 5. Expect specific promptings • Acts 8:29—“The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’” • Romans 8:14—All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God; sonship includes guidance. 6. Act immediately when He speaks • Genesis 6:22—Noah did all that God commanded; swift obedience preserves momentum. • Ezekiel 3:14—Ezekiel moves “in bitterness and in the heat of my spirit,” yet the LORD’s hand is strong upon him; feelings fluctuate, obedience remains. Scriptural Parallels That Reinforce the Pattern • Isaiah 48:17—The LORD teaches you to profit and leads you in the way you should go. • John 16:13—The Spirit of truth guides into all truth, declaring what is to come. • Psalm 143:10—“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Guardrails for Discernment • Consistency with biblical doctrine—Galatians 1:8 warns against any contrary gospel. • Confirmation through the body of Christ—Proverbs 11:14 stresses safety in counselors. • Fruit that glorifies Jesus—John 15:8 links much fruit with the Father’s glory. Living in Expectation • Keep a journal of Spirit-prompted insights and subsequent outcomes. • Schedule regular times to read, listen, and wait in silence before God. • Celebrate testimonies where obedience has already led to life-giving results. As Ezekiel stepped into a valley brimming with impossibility and watched God breathe life into bones, so believers who yield to the same Spirit can count on guidance that brings resurrection power to every barren place encountered today. |
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