Church of God Mission International – Above Only Daily Devotional By ARCHBISHOP M. E. BENSON IDAHOSA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH 2024 | Topic:  THE SPIRIT AND THE VALLEY

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ABOVE ONLY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

BY: ARCHBISHOP M. E. BENSON IDAHOSA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH 2024

THE SPIRIT AND THE VALLEY

EZEKIEL 37:1-2, PSALMS 23:4 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit…and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them …and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. *Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Most times when we hear about the leading of the Spirit, our minds go mainly to high or elevating experiences. But just like it happened to Ezekiel, there are times that the Spirit of God leads us into a valley. A valley can be a seemingly low, difficult, or frustrating experience.

Immediately after His baptism and announcement, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, (Matt. 4:1). Do you remember Joseph’s experience in the pit, Potiphar’s house and prison? Why then does the Spirit sometimes lead us into a valley?

One reason is to develop strength and compassion in us, so we can be a blessing to others. Paul said while going through his tribulations, God comforted him in such a way that he would be able to comfort anyone in any trouble, (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Jesus was tempted in every way so He could be a perfect High Priest who understands what we go through, (Heb.4:15-16). Compassion was necessary for His Priestly duties (Heb.5:1-2). In working diligently despite his condition and environment, and in showing compassion to interpret the dream of his fellow prisoners, Joseph was equipped and positioned to become Prime Minster of Egypt. God led Ezekiel by His Spirit into a valley of dry bones and there, God used Him to restore life to those dry bones.

PRAYER:

FATHER, PLEASE HELP ME TO HAVE THE RIGHT MINDSET AND ATTITUDE DURING MY VALLEY MOMENTS. MAY YOUR COMPASSION BE STIRRED UP IN ME

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