Staying Faithful in the valley
In Ezekiel 37, we find Ezekiel standing in a valley of dry, lifeless bones, led there by God Himself. He’s asked a seemingly impossible question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel wisely answers, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” God then instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones. And as he speaks, the bones start to rattle and come together, yet there is still no breath. So, God tells him to prophesy again, and only then do the bones come fully to life and stand as a vast, living army. Have you ever wondered why it didn’t happen on the first try? If God was with Ezekiel, why didn’t it all come together the first time he spoke?
This story is a powerful reminder of perseverance. Often, we expect that because of the victory we have in Christ, we won’t face resistance or difficulty. But then, when the pressures of life come, we’re forced to decide whether we’ll waver or stand. Will we believe what God has said, or will we let His Word be snuffed out by doubt? Sometimes, we want God to do it all: “I’m standing on Your Word, Lord, so make it happen.” But sometimes, the Father is asking us to actively partner with Him—to keep speaking life even when the situation looks unchanged.
Often, we may expect that our faith in Christ will shield us from life’s hardships. However, when difficulties arise, we face a critical choice: will we stand firm in our beliefs or allow doubt to extinguish the promises of God? It’s tempting to wait passively for God to act while we proclaim His Word. Yet, sometimes He calls us to actively partner with Him—continuing to speak life even when our situations appear unchanged.
A Story of Faithful Endurance
Consider the journey of a woman I once knew who returned to her faith after years of wandering. She experienced a profound transformation upon meeting Jesus but faced challenges in her marriage to an unbeliever. Night after night, she struggled with feelings of hopelessness, yet she clung to God’s promise in 1 Corinthians 7:14—that her faith could sanctify her husband.
Months passed without visible change, but she remained steadfast in prayer and declarations over her marriage. Eventually, her husband began taking small steps toward faith—attending church and asking questions about her beliefs. Today, they walk together and are growing deeper in faith each day. God moved through Her endurance and commitment to speaking life over her “dry bones” marriage and now the whole culture of her household has changed forever.
Speaking Life Over Dry Bones
God does call us to speak over “dry bones” sometimes—the areas of our lives that feel hopeless, lifeless, or overwhelming. When we don’t see change right away, we’re tempted to give up. It’s easy to feel discouraged when healing doesn’t come as fast as we’d hoped, or when anxiety and sadness linger. But the truth is, God asks us to endure, to keep speaking His truth, and to hold on to His promise. The New Testament speaks of endurance and running a race because our walk with God isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.
Just as Ezekiel kept speaking and staying close to God’s direction, we’re called to continue speaking life over our struggles, even when the journey feels long. Many women I work with feel they’ve done all they can; they’ve prayed, they’ve asked for deliverance, yet relief hasn’t come. But if God has promised you freedom, who are you to give up? Daughter, if He has promised healing and new life, your role is to keep declaring His promises over your life, holding tightly to His Word even when you don’t yet see the fruit.
The freedom you’re seeking is already here in Christ Jesus. You have been made “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37) through Him! Yet you may wonder how to actually walk in that victory when anxiety attacks come, when depression creeps in, when lies whisper, and when doubts arise. Here is what God’s Word reveals to us:
How to Stand in Faith Through the Valley
1. Speak to the Mountains in Your Life
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells us that with faith as small as a mustard seed, we can speak to our mountains and watch them move. The “mountains” represent the struggles, doubts, and obstacles we face. Speaking to them isn’t a one-time command; it’s a continual act of declaring God’s truth over every challenge, reminding ourselves that our words have power when aligned with His will.
2. Take Authority Over the Enemy
In Luke 10:19, Jesus grants us authority over all the power of the enemy. This authority reminds us that we aren’t helpless against the schemes of darkness. We have the power to rebuke lies, resist temptation, and declare truth. God’s Spirit within us empowers us to stand strong, proclaiming freedom over fear, joy over sadness, and truth over deception.
3. Declare God’s Word Continuously
Just as Ezekiel didn’t stop after his first command to the bones, we, too, are called to persist. God’s Word can sometimes require repetition to break through the strongholds in our lives. Jeremiah 23:29 says, “Is not my word like fire…and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” Each declaration is a step toward fulfillment, as God’s Word reshapes and renews us, piece by piece, if we don’t give up.
Conclusion
The road to freedom may feel long and arduous, but God’s Word is powerful. Every time you speak His promises over your life, it’s as though you’re chiseling away at the strongholds, bringing new life to what was once lifeless. No matter how desolate the valley may feel, don’t stop declaring God’s promises over it. As Ezekiel spoke to the bones multiple times, God calls us to the same persistence. Even when we want immediate results, He uses the journey to shape and strengthen us.
When anxiety or fear tries to overwhelm you, declare peace over your mind: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). When doubt surfaces, speak His truth: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). And when the enemy’s lies surround you, stand firm in your identity: “I am chosen, holy, and dearly loved” (Colossians 3:12).
When you feel discouraged, remember that Ezekiel didn’t stop. Though he was following God’s direct instruction, he had to keep speaking life before he saw any change. So, sister, keep speaking life, hope, and freedom over every dry area. God’s Word doesn’t return void, and He will bring His promises to pass.
Author Bio:
Jemese LaChel Drewery, is a Christian Trauma Therapist and Mentor for women specializing in sexual trauma and biblical counseling. Based in Mid-Missouri, Jemese is passionate about helping women heal from trauma while strengthening their faith. Through Grace Abides Christian Counseling, she offers a Holy Spirit-led approach to mental health and wellness. Join her community for weekly insights into faith-based healing.
