FROM DRY BONES TO A MIGHTY ARMY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ezekiel 37:1-10
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:19, Joel 2:25-27, Romans 8:11, John 11:25, 1 Peter 2:9
INTRODUCTION:
The valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37 paints a vivid picture of hopelessness, lifelessness, and desolation. The bones were not only dry—they were very dry, symbolising a situation that had been dead for a long time. Yet, God brought the prophet Ezekiel to this valley to show him a powerful message of restoration, resurrection, and divine transformation.
This prophetic vision was more than just a metaphor for Israel—it speaks to our lives today. Many people are walking through their own "valley of dry bones"—places of discouragement, lost opportunities, broken relationships, failed dreams, and spiritual barrenness. But the same God who breathed life into a dead army is still working today. He is the God who brings life to what seems dead and forgotten.
This message declares: No matter how hopeless your situation may seem, God can turn dry bones into a mighty army. He can restore life, purpose, power, and identity to those who believe. Let us now explore how God does this mighty work.
1. GOD TAKES YOU TO THE VALLEY TO OPEN YOUR EYES
Sometimes, God allows us to witness desolate conditions—not to break us, but to awaken our spiritual awareness.
a) The valley represents lifeless places (Ezekiel 37:1):
God led Ezekiel into the valley, not to shame him, but to show him the true state of things so he could speak life into it.
b) Spiritual dryness must be acknowledged before healing (Isaiah 1:18):
Before transformation can occur, we must be honest about our condition.
c) God often begins restoration in hidden or broken places (1 Samuel 22:1-2):
David’s mighty men began as broken men in the cave of Adullam—restoration starts in the low places.
d) The valley experience prepares you for divine instruction (Habakkuk 2:1):
God speaks clearly in the valley. Your attention is sharpened when you're at your lowest.
Biblical Example: Joseph was thrown into a pit, but that pit became a pathway to his palace. What looked like a dead end was actually a divine setup (Genesis 37:24–28).
2. GOD SPEAKS LIFE INTO DEAD SITUATIONS
The Word of God is powerful enough to bring the dead back to life.
a) The power of prophecy is released when we speak God’s Word (Ezekiel 37:4):
God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy—restoration begins when we declare God’s truth.
b) The Word of God brings clarity and order to confusion (Psalm 119:130):
Even in the valley, the entrance of God’s Word brings light.
c) The spoken word can transform dry places into living ones (Isaiah 55:11):
God's Word never returns void—it always produces results.
d) Your mouth is a weapon—speak life, not death (Proverbs 18:21):
What you declare in your valley can shape your outcome.
Biblical Example: Jesus spoke to Lazarus in the tomb, and though he was dead for four days, he came forth alive (John 11:43-44).
3. THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS THE FORCE BEHIND TRANSFORMATION
Bones came together, but they were still lifeless until the Spirit came.
a) Structure is not enough—Spirit is essential (Ezekiel 37:8-9):
The bones came together, but they remained lifeless until the breath (Spirit) entered them.
b) The Holy Spirit breathes new life into dead dreams (Romans 8:11):
What is beyond man’s power is possible through the Spirit of God.
c) The move of the Spirit brings revival, not routine (Acts 2:1-4):
On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit turned fearful men into bold witnesses.
d) Transformation is incomplete without the breath of God (Job 33:4):
You were formed by God, but life is sustained by His Spirit.
Biblical Example: At creation, man was formed from dust, but he only became a living being after God breathed into him (Genesis 2:7).
4. GOD RESTORES PURPOSE AND IDENTITY
The bones were not just brought back to life—they became a mighty army.
a) God doesn’t just revive you—He repurposes you (Ezekiel 37:10):
From scattered bones to a unified army, God restores not just life but mission.
b) You are not called to remain broken but to rise strong (1 Peter 2:9):
You are chosen for a purpose—to declare God’s praises.
c) Revival is not for display but for deployment (Matthew 28:19):
God revives you so you can go out and make disciples.
d) Restoration makes you a testimony to others (Psalm 71:20-21):
Your turnaround story will inspire others to believe in God’s power.
Biblical Example: Peter, though broken by denial, was restored and used by God to lead the church at Pentecost (John 21:15-17; Acts 2:14).
CONCLUSION:
Just as the dry bones were brought back to life, God can revive any part of your life that seems lost, broken, or hopeless. No situation is beyond His power. He does not just want to bring you back to life—He wants to raise you as a mighty force for His glory.
Let this be the season where you rise from the ashes of defeat and walk in divine purpose. Speak to those dry bones. Invite the Spirit into your life afresh. You are not called to be dry—you are called to live, to lead, and to war victoriously.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my eyes to see the true condition of my life and destiny.
2. Father, speak Your Word into every dry and dead situation in my life.
3. Breathe Your Spirit into me again—revive my passion and vision.
4. I receive grace to prophesy and speak life into my circumstances.
5. Holy Spirit, restore my identity and divine purpose.
6. Every structure in my life without life, receive divine breath now.
7. Let every disjointed area of my life come together in alignment.
8. Raise me as a mighty warrior in Your end-time army.
9. I declare my valley shall become a place of victory and revival.
10. Thank You, Lord, for making me a living testimony of resurrection power.
