Ezekiel Chapter 1: Verse 1 (NIV)
In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
Ezekiel’s life as a priest had been turned upside down when he was taken from Jerusalem and transported into captivity in Babylon. As a young man he would have expected his life to be all mapped out. He would serve his ministry in the temple. But the exile would have thrown all of those expectations into turmoil. What would happen now? It would be easy to be upset and depressed about the change in his circumstances, but yet it was I these very circumstances that he saw tremendous visions from God Himself and even got a glimpse of things that were to come.
We should not assume that we will only be used by God, or hear from God when things are going well for us. If we trust that God is with us in all circumstances, why shouldn’t He speak to us when we are having a difficult time. After all, isn’t that when we need to hear from Him the most?
God showed Ezekiel that the time in exile was not a permanent thing. He still had plans for Israel and He revealed part of those plans to Ezekiel. Just because we are having a hard time doesn’t mean God has given up on us. He may want to teach us something of Himself. So when times are hard we need to keep our hearts and minds open to what He wants to say, and not turn away because we feel neglected or forgotten. That’s what the devil wants us to think. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that You will speak to me at any time, good time or bad time. Keep my heart and mind open to be able to hear and respond. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.