Restoration Through God's Presence and Healing Spirit
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound question: Can God heal the trauma that has shattered our lives? We began by acknowledging the shared trauma that many of us have experienced, particularly in light of recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This shared trauma has impacted our lives in various ways, affecting our relationships, work, and peace of mind. We then turned our attention to the story of Ezekiel, a prophet who lived during a time of great turmoil and exile for the people of Israel.
Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones is a powerful metaphor for the desolation and hopelessness that trauma can bring into our lives. In Ezekiel 37:1-14, we see that even in the midst of this desolation, God's presence is evident. The hand of the Lord was upon Ezekiel, and he was brought out in the Spirit of the Lord. This signifies that God is not only present but sovereignly in control, even in our darkest moments ([10:05]).
As Ezekiel is led through the valley of dry bones, he is asked a crucial question by God: "Can these bones live?" This question speaks directly to our own doubts and fears about whether healing and restoration are possible. Ezekiel's response, "O Lord God, you know," acknowledges God's omniscience and sovereignty. It is a reminder that while we may not have all the answers, we can trust in God's wisdom and power ([13:12]).
God then commands Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, declaring that they will come to life. This act of speaking God's word into a seemingly hopeless situation illustrates the transformative power of God's word. It has the ability to reach us even in our driest, most traumatic moments. As Ezekiel prophesies, the bones begin to come together, and flesh and skin cover them, symbolizing the gradual process of restoration that God can bring into our lives ([16:22]).
However, the bones are not yet alive. It is only when Ezekiel prophesies to the breath, calling it to come from the four winds, that the breath enters the bones, and they come to life, standing on their feet as a great army. This highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in the process of healing and restoration. God's Spirit is at work, bringing life and vitality to what was once dead and desolate ([24:33]).
We also discussed the importance of being present for those who are hurting. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do for someone who is struggling is to simply be there, offering our presence and listening to their stories. This was exemplified by the therapists who sat with the people of Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. They didn't try to fix what only God can; instead, they offered their presence and support, which proved to be incredibly therapeutic ([29:06]).
As we concluded, we were reminded that the presence of the Holy Spirit is enough for restoration. We are not the ones who bring healing; it is God's Spirit at work in us and through us. This gives us the assurance that we can trust in God's power and sovereignty, knowing that He is able to bring new life to our dry bones and heal our traumatic pasts ([33:42]).
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Sovereignty in Our Trauma:
In the midst of our trauma and desolation, God's presence is evident. He is sovereignly in control, and His hand is upon us, guiding us through our darkest moments. This assurance allows us to trust in His wisdom and power, even when we don't have all the answers. [10:05]
2. The Transformative Power of God's Word:
God's word has the power to reach us in our driest, most traumatic moments. Just as Ezekiel prophesied over the dry bones and they began to come together, speaking God's word into our lives can bring about transformation and restoration. It reminds us that no situation is beyond God's ability to heal. [16:22]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Healing:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of healing and restoration. It is the breath of God that brings life to the dry bones, symbolizing the vitality and renewal that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives. We must rely on the Spirit's power to bring about true healing. [24:33]
4. The Power of Presence:
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do for someone who is hurting is to simply be there. Offering our presence and listening to their stories can be incredibly therapeutic. This was exemplified by the therapists in Haiti who provided support and comfort to those affected by the earthquake. [29:06]
5. Trusting in God's Spirit for Restoration:
The presence of the Holy Spirit is enough for restoration. We are not the ones who bring healing; it is God's Spirit at work in us and through us. This gives us the assurance that we can trust in God's power and sovereignty, knowing that He is able to bring new life to our dry bones and heal our traumatic pasts. [33:42]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Sarah's Story: A Struggle with Trauma
[07:06] - The Impact of Shared Trauma
[10:05] - Ezekiel's Vision: God's Presence in Desolation
[13:12] - Can These Bones Live?
[16:22] - The Power of God's Word
[19:24] - The Process of Restoration
[22:53] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[24:33] - From Dry Bones to a Great Army
[26:14] - The Challenge of Religious Language
[27:47] - Applying the Vision to Our Lives
[29:06] - The Power of Presence: Lessons from Haiti
[31:02] - A Challenge for the Week
[32:20] - Imagining a World of Presence and Healing
[33:06] - The Lord's Supper: A Time for Presence and Healing
[33:42] - Conclusion: Trusting in God's Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones
### Observation Questions
1. What was the state of the bones in Ezekiel's vision, and what does this signify about the condition of the people of Israel? ([11:38])
2. How did Ezekiel respond when God asked him if the dry bones could live? What does this response reveal about his faith? ([13:12])
3. What happened when Ezekiel prophesied to the bones and then to the breath? Describe the process of restoration that took place. ([14:46])
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the vision of the dry bones coming to life? ([24:33])
### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones serve as a metaphor for personal trauma and desolation? How does this vision offer hope? ([10:05])
2. How does the act of prophesying over the dry bones illustrate the transformative power of God's word in our lives? ([14:46])
3. What does the gradual process of the bones coming together and being covered with flesh and skin teach us about the nature of healing and restoration? ([17:50])
4. How can the presence of the Holy Spirit be a source of comfort and restoration in our lives, especially in times of trauma? ([19:24])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision. How did you experience God's presence during that period? ([11:38])
2. Ezekiel's response to God's question was, "O Lord God, you know." How can you cultivate a similar trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty in your own life? ([13:12])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of speaking God's word into seemingly hopeless situations. Can you think of a specific area in your life where you need to declare God's promises? ([14:46])
4. The process of restoration in Ezekiel's vision was gradual. How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing for healing in your own life? ([17:50])
5. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in bringing life to the dry bones. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in areas of your life that feel lifeless or desolate? ([24:33])
6. The sermon highlighted the power of simply being present for those who are hurting. Who in your life could benefit from your presence and support this week? ([29:06])
7. The presence of the Holy Spirit is enough for restoration. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel overwhelmed by your past traumas? ([33:42])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty in Our Trauma
In the midst of our trauma and desolation, God's presence is evident. He is sovereignly in control, and His hand is upon us, guiding us through our darkest moments. This assurance allows us to trust in His wisdom and power, even when we don't have all the answers. The story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones is a powerful reminder of this truth. Ezekiel was brought out in the Spirit of the Lord, signifying that God is present and sovereignly in control, even in our darkest moments. This vision serves as a metaphor for the desolation and hopelessness that trauma can bring into our lives, yet it also shows that God's presence is always with us, guiding us through our pain and suffering. [10:05]
Ezekiel 37:1-2 (ESV): "The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt desolate or hopeless. How did you sense God's presence during that time? If you didn't, how can you seek His presence now in your current struggles?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of God's Word
God's word has the power to reach us in our driest, most traumatic moments. Just as Ezekiel prophesied over the dry bones and they began to come together, speaking God's word into our lives can bring about transformation and restoration. It reminds us that no situation is beyond God's ability to heal. When Ezekiel prophesied over the bones, they began to come together, and flesh and skin covered them. This symbolizes the gradual process of restoration that God can bring into our lives through His word. It is a powerful reminder that God's word has the ability to transform even the most hopeless situations. [16:22]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What specific area of your life feels dry and hopeless right now? How can you speak God's word into that situation and trust in His power to bring about transformation?
Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Healing
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of healing and restoration. It is the breath of God that brings life to the dry bones, symbolizing the vitality and renewal that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives. We must rely on the Spirit's power to bring about true healing. When Ezekiel prophesied to the breath, calling it to come from the four winds, the breath entered the bones, and they came to life, standing on their feet as a great army. This highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in the process of healing and restoration. God's Spirit is at work, bringing life and vitality to what was once dead and desolate. [24:33]
John 6:63 (ESV): "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
Reflection: In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit to bring life and vitality to areas of your life that feel dead or desolate? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas today?
Day 4: The Power of Presence
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do for someone who is hurting is to simply be there. Offering our presence and listening to their stories can be incredibly therapeutic. This was exemplified by the therapists in Haiti who provided support and comfort to those affected by the earthquake. They didn't try to fix what only God can; instead, they offered their presence and support, which proved to be incredibly therapeutic. This teaches us the importance of being present for those who are hurting and offering our support and listening ear. [29:06]
Romans 12:15 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is currently hurting. How can you offer your presence and support to them today? What practical steps can you take to be there for them?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Spirit for Restoration
The presence of the Holy Spirit is enough for restoration. We are not the ones who bring healing; it is God's Spirit at work in us and through us. This gives us the assurance that we can trust in God's power and sovereignty, knowing that He is able to bring new life to our dry bones and heal our traumatic pasts. As we trust in God's Spirit, we can have confidence that He is at work in our lives, bringing about restoration and healing. This assurance allows us to rest in His power and sovereignty, knowing that He is able to bring new life to our dry bones and heal our traumatic pasts. [33:42]
2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's Spirit for restoration? How can you actively trust in His power and sovereignty to bring about healing and new life in those areas?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for someone who is hurting is to simply be there. Your presence can be a lifeline. So here's our challenge for this week. And I think it doesn't matter if you are a believer or not. Our challenge for this week is for us to simply reach out to someone who you know is struggling. Reach out with a text, a phone call, an invitation to dinner or coffee, let them know that you see their pain. And let them know that you are not, that they are not alone." [31:02]
2. "Imagine how different your life would be if you would have had that 20 years ago. If you would have had that 10 years ago. Someone simply to sit with you and be present. Remember when Sarah was alone in her room, going through this stuff, but it was through that simple urging of the Holy Spirit, and she took the first step toward healing. I don't know how her life ended up, but I know that she took a step. And today, I'm asking us all, take a step." [32:20]
3. "We believe that God cares about us holistically, all of us, physically, financially, spiritually, and we believe God is concerned about your trauma. That's why we hope to be, in this community of faith, we hope to be not only concerned about your trauma, but we hope to be not only an emotionally intelligent community, but we also want to be trauma-informed. And we are learning together. I'm not a licensed counselor, but we're learning together. We're learning together how we can support others, compassion, empathy, patience, and we can be the instruments of God's grace, His body, the body of Christ." [07:06]
4. "If you're a parent, maybe your trauma shows up in your parenting. If you're married, maybe your trauma shows up and it strains your ability to connect with your spouse. You want to. You want to be loving. You want to be able to embrace. You want to be able to tell your kids how important they are to you. But your trauma has a way of paralyzing you. Imprisoning you. Many of us feel like our situations will never change. We live a life where there's just really no hope or opportunity for healing, for advancement, to get out of poverty, to get out of abusive relationships, to get through the next day of your sobriety." [03:49]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The hand of the Lord was upon me and he brought me out in the spirit of the Lord. And so right there, we see at the very beginning, in the midst of their trauma, in the midst of their exile, in the midst of everything that was going on, God was still somehow present. He wasn't just present because if you look at the language that's used, the hand of the Lord, it is showing that not only was he present, but he was sovereignly in control. The hand of the Lord represents his strength. It represents his sovereignty. It represents his ability to do all things." [10:05]
2. "And so, then verse 10, final verse. And so, I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them. And this is, again, highlighting God's spirit is at work. His spirit is at work. And they lived and stood on their feet. And this is amazing, right? So, these dead bones, now, they lived and they stood on their feet. And then, guess what it says about these people who were desolate, who were in bondage, who were in exile, and all of this stuff. And he says, and they were an exceeding. Is that what y'all verse says? Or do y'all verse says it was a pathetic army? They were people that only talked about their victimization. They were hopeless in life. No, he says, they were an exceedingly great army." [24:33]
3. "Through the Holy Spirit's comforting presence, restoration is possible. That's what we see in those first six verses. See, the last verse we read, it said, you shall live, you shall know. It's not a complete process yet. We got a few more verses to read, but right now, what we do know, in the midst of this, in these first six verses, we know that the Spirit of God is present with Ezekiel. The Spirit of God is present with his people. The Spirit is present, and his presence alone is enough for restoration." [19:24]
4. "Amazing what he's saying is God's word is so powerful that it has the ability to reach us even in our driest moments, even in our most traumatic events, even when we're at our lowest, when we can't pick our own selves up, we still can hear from God. That's good news, family. It goes on to verse number five. He says, but thus says the Lord to these bones, behold, this is when you see that word behold in scripture, that really is saying you got to check this out, lean in a little bit, pay some attention. It's getting deep. It's getting real. What I'm about to say next is extremely important. He says, behold, I will, I will cause breath, to enter into you and you shall die and you shall forever be trapped by the history of your trauma and you will never find love. You'll never find happiness. You'll never find wholeness. You'll never find healing because of the traumatic events of your story. Is that what it says there? No, it says, and you shall live." [14:46]
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