In a valley full of old, dry bones scattered everywhere across the ground, God asked the prophet Ezekiel if the bones could become people again. Quite an impossibility to human thinking, is it not? But the wise prophet knew who asked the question. He replied, “You alone know.”

Ezekiel was a prophet to Israel during their time of exile in Babylon. One of the things he prophesied was that the Israelites would return to their homeland strengthened. That seemed as impossible to a people in captivity as a valley full of dry bones coming to life.

Still.

We know the prophesy came true when the first wave of captives began to return fifty years later.

Ezekiel’s vision of being in a deep valley of despair matched the feelings of the Israelites at the time. When the prophet said, “You alone know,” he didn’t say yes the bones could be restored to former glory and come to life again. Nor did he say no they couldn’t come to life again.

He didn’t state a case for either scenario. Ezekiel knew God could do anything he wanted to do. Even when doing so seemed impossible. Ezekiel understood God’s ability was limitless. He didn’t try to put parameters around God. He simply left the decision up to God to do as he saw best.

In the vision, God raised those dead, dry bones to life. He restored them just as he would later restore the nation of Israel. He restored life to a despondent people who lost hope in their future.

In our times of despair or loss we might feel as dry as the bones in Ezekiel’s vision. Submitting our plans, will, and circumstances to God says we believe he alone knows what’s best for us.

He alone knows how best to solve our dilemma.

He alone knows what will bring life back to a valley of dry bones.

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The power of the Lord was upon me and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley full of old, dry bones that were scattered everywhere across the ground. He led me around among them, and then he said to me:

“Son of dust, can these bones become people again?”

I replied, “Lord, you alone know the answer to that.” Ezekiel 37:1-3 (NLT)