End of the Valley, Beginning of Life

posted on: 10.28.2011

© missbeautyfull
Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. And he said to me, "Son of man, have you seen this?"
—Ezequiel 47:3-6

I've been motivated by this post and this one to share about where exactly the Lord has parked my bike (aka, the season He has me in).
I've been silent for a number of reasons, the main one being that the Lord didn't have anything for you but He did have a lot for me. I've been in the book of Ezequiel since September, right after reading Jeremiah. I've been looking forward to reading this book since early summer, when I entered the "valley" season. I knew the Lord had a word for my upcoming move to this country and I wanted the comfort right away (however, that's not how the Lord works!). It wasn't until September/October that my heart was prepared to receive it. Let me tell you, I thought Jeremiah had a tough life, but in comparison to Ezequiel, Jeremiah is in preschool. Ezequiel had it ten times worse, making Ezequiel's obedience completely heroic. The valley of dry bones has a completely new meaning for me now as well.

The context of this passage in Ezequiel 47 is pretty obvious. There's water flowing from the sanctuary and it's flowing like a river everywhere in the land. This river is straight from the Most Holy place.  A man (who I believe to be Jesus) leads Ezequiel into the river and starts measuring it. In that moment, Jesus takes me by the hand and leads me into the river.

The Lord used this passage to make me aware that I am only at waist-level. I've been complacent with the knowledge I already have of Him. He is telling me, 'Look, there's more, Come deeper!'. In my foolishness, I didn't think there was more.

There is more of Him for me to know. More of His presence, His healing, His love. He's been leading me into deeper waters and I've been stuck at waist-level saying, "Lord, I can only see as far as where I'm standing. Waist-level is sufficient for me! Besides, not everyone ventures this far". He answers me "There's more that meets the eye, venture farther".
There is more depth to explore, to sink in.
He is trying to lead me there.
To lead you there.

As my journal comes to an end, this season does too. Today, I understand why I had to go through the valley, that dry and weary land (less than the wilderness for sure, but still dry). It was a time of waiting for the harvest, the provision from the Lord to come. It was a time of testing of my faithfulness. But it was also a time where the Lord made me hungrier and thirstier for Him, for the depths of Him. Perhaps it took the valley of dry bones to create in me desperation and more desire for the Giver of Life.

Now, when I see the water, I'll run as fast as I can, jump and drown in His flowing, holy river of Life. I will obey the call to explore the depths of Him.

and He said to me, "[Daughter] of man, have you seen this?"
I reply, "No, my Lord, I haven't. But if you lead me, I'll follow".

3 Smiles:

  1. Thank you for your open heart with us! I am always encouraged by your posts, and this one is no exception. You are such a beautiful woman after God's heart! I love you, sister!

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  2. Thanks so much for you post! I enjoyed reading it!

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  3. This is beautiful! I loved your thoughts! I need to remember the same things for where I'm at!

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