God does His greatest reviving work in the places we least expect victory.
“The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones… and, lo, they were very dry.”
— Ezekiel 37:1–2
The Christian life is the best life — but it is not a life without burdens, trials, or seasons spent in valleys. Revival is not contingent upon circumstances. Whether on the mountaintop or deep in the valley, God’s people can experience renewal, power, and victory.
Even a valley filled with dead, dry, divided bones can be transformed into a mighty army. There can be victory — even in the valley.
As Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “There are no victories at discount prices.”
REALIZE THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD BROUGHT YOU TO THE VALLEY
v.1–2
Ezekiel did not wander into the valley by accident. The Scripture is clear — “the hand of the LORD” brought him there. God Himself positioned the prophet in that difficult place.
Valleys are not always signs of failure or disobedience. Sometimes they are places of divine appointment. When you find yourself in a low place, remember this truth: God’s providence is still at work, and He always has a purpose.
REALIZE THE PRESENCE OF GOD IS WITH YOU IN THE VALLEY
v.3–4
Though Ezekiel stood in a valley of death, he was not alone. The prophet is speaking — carrying on a conversation with God. The same God who brought him to the valley stayed with him in the valley.
That truth changes everything. The valley may be dark, but it is never godless. The burden may be heavy, but the presence of God is real. Where God leads you, He will not leave you.
REALIZE THE PROVISION OF GOD IS AVAILABLE IN THE VALLEY
v.5–6
God’s promises echo through these verses with two powerful words: “I will.”
God would bring breath.
God would form sinews and flesh.
God would cause life.
Ezekiel was asked to obey, but God made it clear — He alone would perform the work. Everything needed for revival in the valley would come from the Lord Himself. When you are in the valley, remember: God’s provision never runs dry, even when everything around you looks lifeless.
ILLUSTRATION
After the Battle of Waterloo, the people of Great Britain anxiously awaited news. When the first message arrived, it read only two words: “Wellington defeated.” The nation was plunged into mourning — until the missing word finally came through.
The full message read: “Wellington defeated Napoleon.”
Sorrow instantly turned to joy.
Sometimes we panic because we’re reading the story too early. Wait for God to finish the sentence.
