Ezekiel 37: From Dry Bones to Restoration – Part V
Sunday, September 18, 2022
If we cannot believe in restoration after the desert, let us at least begin by asking God to strengthen our gift of faith. Just as a mariner trusts that the lighthouse will guide ships past rocky shores, let us trust the Gospel story of Jesus. The writer of the letter to Hebrews shows us the way. From Hebrews 11.
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
If we do not have confidence, let us ask God for this gift of sureness.
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
If we do not have understanding, let us ask God for the gift of wisdom.
It was by this faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.
If we do not have fidelity, let us ask God for the gift of certainty.
And even when Abraham reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith – for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise.
If we do not see or believe in God’s promise in our lives, let us ask God for the gift of hope.
For Abraham was looking for a city with eternal foundations, a city whose architect and builder was God.
If we do not feel or comprehend God’s power in our lives, let us ask God for the gift of fortitude. And let us pray.
Good and loving God, your fidelity lives in us although we may not perceive it. Being your creatures we are made of love for love; yet we might not believe this. Breathe new life into those who are discouraged or unbelieving. Bring new strength to those who falter. And shower us with your hope and encouragement so that we might come to fully know, and feel and understand that your only wish for us is our restoration in and for you. We ask this in Jesus’ name, in unity with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow, laying a foundation for restoration . . .
Images from: http://walkbyfaithkkw2011.blogspot.com/2012/05/contentment.html and https://www.pinterest.com/totogale/new-testament-hebrews/
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