Revival in a valley

The Valley Experience

The nation of Israel was in a valley season when God revealed their spiritual condition to Ezekiel. It was so dire that even the prophet himself felt hopeless. Valleys often signify down moments, but God specializes in bringing lifting after a casting down.

- Job 22:29: “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.”  

- Hosea 2:15: “And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope...”  

Valleys may represent hopelessness, lifelessness, or despair, but they are also places of divine encounters. It is always darkest before dawn, and God often uses valleys to reveal His power and glory.

Ezekiel’s Vision of Dry Bones

God carried Ezekiel into a valley full of dry bones to show him the hopelessness of Israel’s condition.  

- Ezekiel 37:1-3: “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 he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.”  

This vision reminds us that valleys are not the end—they are opportunities for revival. God asks us the same question today: Can these bones live? Our response must reflect humility, faith, and trust in His sovereignty.

The Hand and Spirit of the Lord

Ezekiel experienced the hand of the Lord upon him, which signifies:  

- God’s appointment  

- God’s acceptance  

- God’s assistance  

- Divine backing  

- Divine commitment  

- God’s defence  

- God’s empowerment  

- Divine favour  

- Divine glory  

- Divine help  

- Divine interest  

He was also carried by the Spirit of the Lord, showing intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Because Ezekiel was willing, ready, and available, God could use him to see and declare revival.  

Notice the repeated emphasis: upon me, carried me, set me down, caused me, said unto me. Revival begins when we position ourselves to be used by God. It requires responsibility, readiness, and surrender.  

The Valley of Decision

- Joel 3:14: “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”  

Many today are in the valley of decision—torn between sin and salvation, between self and surrender. God is reaching out to those who have not yet given their lives to Christ. True freedom comes when we lose our lives to Christ and receive His life in exchange.  

- Psalm 40:2: “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”  

A Picture of Our Generation

Ezekiel saw “very many bones in the open valley, and they were very dry” (Ezekiel 37:2). This mirrors our generation today:  

1. Unreached people groups – Many have never heard the gospel even once.  

2. Destruction of lives – Wars, terrorism, and crises send countless souls into eternity unprepared.  

3. Attacks on young people – Addiction, sexual perversion, ungodly music, cybercrime, and more.  

4. Shallow discipleship – Churches must reemphasize Bible study, Sunday school, and discipleship programs to raise true followers of Christ.  

5. Rise of false worldviews – Anti-biblical ideologies, cults, and false religions are spreading rapidly.  

This is the valley of our generation, and God is asking: Can these bones live?

God’s Question to Us

Just as God asked Ezekiel, He asks us today: Can these bones live?  

Our response must acknowledge:  

- God’s sovereignty – He alone knows.  

- God’s power – He is able to revive.  

- Our humility – We depend on Him.  

- Our faith – We believe in His ability.  

Revival begins when we answer God’s question with faith and surrender.

Conclusion

Valleys are not the end—they are the beginning of revival. Whether it is hopelessness, lifelessness, or decision, God specializes in turning valleys into places of life, hope, and encounters.  

Like Ezekiel, we must be willing, ready, and available. We must position ourselves for God’s hand and Spirit to rest upon us. And we must respond to His question with faith: Yes, Lord, these bones can live!  

Revival in the valley begins with you. Say today: Lord, start with me afresh!