Topic: THE SPIRIT AND THE VALLEY  [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 5 JUNE  2023

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ABOVE ONLY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

BY: ARCHBISHOP M. E. BENSON IDAHOSA

MONDAY JUNE 5TH, 2023

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.

When we hear about the leading of the Spirit, most times our minds go to mainly high or elevating experiences. But just like it happened to Ezekiel, there are sometimes when 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 divine 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. 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:
I thank you Father, for the great strength and compassion that your Spirit develops in me during my valley experiences

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