IF IT IS NOT "YOU" DOING IT; WHO IS IT?

             

IF IT'S NOT "YOU" DOING IT; WHO IS IT?

NOT “WHAT” YOU DO, BUT “WHAT”  THE WORD OF GOD ACTIVATES THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DO "THROUGH" YOU.

“…HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO SAY? It would take too long to recount THE STORIES OF FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

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The first examples of the WORK of the Holy Spirit is creation. God demonstrates how the POWER of his WORD activates the WORK of his Holy Spirit. “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

“…Then God SAID (God says something), “Let there be light” (Jesus, the Word speaks what God says); AND THERE WAS LIGHT (The Holy Spirit DID what was said and spoken)…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

God demonstrates and reveals that his WORD is "WHAT activates the WORK of his HOLY SPIRIT. “So shall MY WORD be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH  (through the WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT) that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER(through the WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT) in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it (through the WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT)…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).

The FATHER’s HOLY WORD activates his HOLY POWER. "EVERY" action of the Holy Spirit begins with the Father’s WORD.

Let’s examine the story of the dry bones: “…The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones (SPEAK  MY WORDS TO THESE BONES) and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life.  (WHY GOD WANT EZEKIEL TO SPEAK HIS WORDS TO THESE BONES?) Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” (DID EZEKIEL FOLLOW GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS?) So I prophesied as I was commanded. (WHAT HAPPENED WHEN EZEKIEL SPOKE GOD'S WORD AS HE WAS INSTRUCTED TO DO?) And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; (WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DRY BONES AFTER EZEKIEL SPOKE GOD'S WORD?) they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army....’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

GOD SAYS SOMETHING TO EZEKIEL AND HE SPOKE THE WORD GOD TOLD HIM TO SPEAK. “…PROPHESY (SPEAK) to these bones and SAY to them, ‘Dry bones, HEAR “THE WORD” of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord SAYS to these bones: I WILL make breath enter you, and YOU WILL come to life. I WILL attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I WILL put breath in you, and YOU WILL come to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God SAYS SOMETHING AND TELLS EZEKIEL TO SPEAK WHAT HE SAYS. GOD ALREADY KNOWS the POWER of his HOLY WORD WILL ACTIVATE THE CONFIRMING WORK OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT. God has NO DOUBT that what his WORD says will happen; WILL HAPPEN. “…So shall MY WORD be that goeth forth out of my mouth: … it SHALL ACCOMPLISH [through the powerful WORK of the Holy Spirit] that which I please…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). 

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS "CLEARLY SEEN" BY THE THINGS THAT ARE MADE, CREATED, OR MANIFESTED. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER (THE HOLY SPIRIT)...—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

WHAT WORK DID THE HOLY DO IN EZEKIEL 37? “… [THE DRY BONES] …came to LIFE…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). 

DID EZEKIEL MAKE THE DRY BONES LIVE? NO. WHAT MADE THE DRY BONES LIVE? GOD'S WORD ACTIVATED THE CONFIRMING WORK TO HIS HOLY SPIRIT. ".. I HAVE DONE IT, declares (REVEALS) the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

 “…  THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command (WORD) … what we now SEE (ALL OF CREATION) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “…BY THE WORD  (WHAT GOD SAYS) of the Lord the heavens were made (through the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). 

WHERE IS GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT IN RELATIONSHIP TO YOU? “…The [Holy] Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT DWELLS "IN" YOU? “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

WILL YOU BEGIN TO DEMONSTRATES THOSE SAME CHARACTERISTICS? “…Ye shall know them (GOD'S PEOPLE) by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

HOW WILL YOU BEGIN TO DEMONSTRATES THOSE SAME CHARACTERISTICS?“…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

IS FAITH ONE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT? “… [One of]…the fruit of the [HOLY] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

WHAT "PROOF" DOES GOD'S WORD GIVE YOU TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The [Holy] Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

God’s WORD is ALWAYS backed-up by the WORK of his POWERFUL Holy Spirit. “…So I (Ezekiel) prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then ….breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God KNEW, without a doubt, that the dry bones would live by his WORD through the manifested and confirming WORK of his Holy Spirit. The DRY BONES returned to LIFE and PROVED the POWER of God's WORD through the WORK of his HOLY SPIRIT. "… [THE DRY BONES] …came to LIFE…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).  ".. I HAVE DONE IT, declares (REVEALS) the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Several examples, throughout the bible, demonstrate the WORK of God’s HOLY SPIRIT PROVing that THE FATHER’S WORD IS POWER. “…MY WORD  … SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).  

The WORK of the Holy Spirit begins with HEARING the WORD of God. "…PROPHESY (SPEAK) to these bones and SAY to them, ‘Dry bones, HEAR “THE WORD” of the Lord! …” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…I will put my Spirit in you and you will live ... Then YOU WILL “KNOW” that I the Lord have SPOKEN … [THE DRY BONES] …came to LIFE…I HAVE “DONE IT” declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

The DRY BONES returning to LIFE confirms THE FATHER’S WORD has the POWER to activate the WORK of his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers the WORKS of God. When the HOLY SPIRIT indwells God's people they are EMPOWERED to do God's WORK too, which is witnessed through the examples of faith in Hebrews 11; through Noah, for instance. “…It was BY FAITH that Noah ….” (Hebrews 11 NLT).“… [One of]…the fruit of the [HOLY] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

The WORD of God activates “ALL” ACTIONS of the HOLY SPIRIT. Therefore, the WORD can activate the indwelling FRUIT of FAITH by the POWER of God's Holy Spirit too.  “…[The spiritual Fruit of] … Faith cometh (is activated ) by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “……It is …God (the Holy Spirit) who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… It is the  … Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The indwelling FRUIT of FAITH, produced by the Holy Spirit,  RESPONDS to the WORD when it is HEARD, and "DOETH the WORK." “…The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…GOD (IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Lord (the Word) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).“…THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The [HOLY] … Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  .“…[one of] … the fruit of the Spirit is …  faith …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the Father’s WORD activates the Holy Spirit, which) is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). 

The indwelling FRUIT of FAITH is part “OF” THE HOLY SPIRIT – that responds to what god says and speaks and DOETH God’s work - “through” you!! “ That's WHY,  … [the Fruit of FAITH (part “OF” the  indwelling Holy Spirit) IS the substance (guarantee, assurance) of things hoped for (expected), [and] the evidence (PROOF) of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). 

The HOLY SPIRIT is the absolute assurance of the things you hope for in God, because the HOLY Spirit (that is NOW within you) RESPONDS, without fail, to EVERYTHING God SAYS and SPEAKS. 

The HOLY SPIRIT "WILL" work "THROUGH" YOU to do whatever God 's WORD says and speaks. 

The indwelling HOLY Spirit is the PROOF, when you choose to depend upon God, that you "WILL" receive what God says you will through his WORD!

The indwelling Fruit of FAITH, produced by the Holy Spirit, is NOW in you AND “STILL” “DOES” what it HEARS Jesus SPEAK and God SAY. Guaranteed!

Therefore, “… [The indwelling fruit of] Faith (part “OF” the Holy Spirit) cometh (is activated) by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). 

THE FATHER’S WORD activates his POWER. The indwelling fruit of FAITH that is part “OF” the indwelling Holy Spirit BECOMES active, in your life, by HEARING THE WORD of God. “…you will abound in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely.... Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through the power of the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NLT).

The indwelling fruit of FAITH that is part “OF” the Holy Spirit RESPONDS to AND DEPENDS UPON GOD’s WORD to WORK or become activated. “…Faith cometh (is activated) by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).  “….Apart from [the HOLY SPIRIT] you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you] (God, the Holy Spirit), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…[One of] ...  the fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). 

^“…God… works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

IT IS THE FATHER’S HOLY SPIRIT that “… is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

IT IS THE FATHER’S HOLY SPIRIT that makes “…the things which are impossible with men … POSSIBLE …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

IT IS THE FATHER’S HOLY SPIRIT that CAN DO ANYTHING!! “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

…It was BY FAITH (the empowering of God's Holy Spirit) that Noah ….” (Hebrews 11 NLT).God told Noah to build an ark, and through his WORD to Noah, he promised to save his whole family. “…It was BY FAITH  (the empowered of God's Holy Spirit) that Noah BUILT A LARGE BOAT to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before….” (Hebrews 11 NLT). 

“…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH (empowering of god's holy spirit); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

The certainty of what was HOPED FOR came to pass: …you will abound in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark…” (Genesis 7:17-24 NIV).

THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATED HIS POWER through his people in other examples of empowered faith too, such as Abraham's.

Abraham offered up Isaac as a sacrifice after being promised all his descendants would come through him. “…It was BY FAITH (empowered by the Holy Spirit) that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.”  Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead…” (Hebrews 11 NLT)

THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATED HIS POWER through Sarah.

Sarah and her husband were promised a child in their nineties; way past childbearing years. It was BY FAITH (empowered by the Holy Spirit) that even SARAH WAS ABLE TO HAVE A CHILD, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.  And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATED HIS POWER through the children of Israel.

The children of Israel crossed the red sea and miraculously escaped from their enemies. “…It was BY FAITH (empowered by his Holy Spirit) that the people of Israel WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATED HIS POWER in MANY other examples of his people who were empowered by God's Holy Spirit. “…BY FAITH … people OVERTHREW kingdoms, RULED with justice, and RECEIVED what God had promised them. They SHUT THE MOUTHS of lions, QUENCHED THE FLAMES of fire, and ESCAPED DEATH by the edge of the sword. Their WEAKNESS was TURNED TO STRENGTH. They BECAME STRONG in battle and PUT whole ARMIES TO FLIGHT. WOMEN RECEIVED their LOVED ONES BACK again FROM DEATH….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

“…Faith (empowered by the God, the Holy Spirit) … worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God … [ is FULFILLING]… THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER (because he LOVES you)…” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 KJV). “…This is the WORK of God: that ye believe on him (depend upon him through the empowering WORK of his Holy Spirit) ...” (John 6:29 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you]… he doeth the works (he DOETH the empowering work of faith)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Why are these stories of faith written and recorded in the bible. “…Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our LEARNING, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “…Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

If you are a believer you are an example of the WORK of the Holy Spirit, which has the power to SAVE. Are you saved? “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through FAITH (the empowering work of the Holy Spirit); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). It “…is THE POWER of God (the WORK of the Holy Spirit) unto SALVATION …” (Romans 1:16 KJV). 

How were you saved? “….The gospel of Christ (the WORD) …. is THE [invisible]… POWER of God (that activates the WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT) unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (depends, accepts, chooses, receives, etc.)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).  “… [The] Good News about Christ. It is the POWER OF GOD (that activates the WORK of the Holy Spirit to SAVE) ... everyone who believes (who chooses to depend upon him)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “… THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER…” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 KJV). “…This is the WORK of God: that ye believe on him ...” (John 6:29 KJV). “…Faith … worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). “…the Father … he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATES HIS POWER as witnessed through the Holy Spirit’s WORK to SAVE. Whatever God SAYS, Jesus SPEAKS, and the HOLY SPIRIT “DOES’ the WORK.

How were the dry bones saved from death? “…The Sovereign Lord [SAID through Ezekiel]… to [those dead]… bones: I WILL make breath enter you, and YOU WILL come to life. I WILL attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I WILL put breath in you, and YOU WILL come to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“…Then [at God’s WORD] ….breath (SPIRIT) entered them; they came to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Would you agree the dry bones were dead people? “…The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Were you dead before Jesus Christ saved you? Yes, you were spiritually dead. “…YOU… were DEAD in your transgressions and sins…” (Ephesians 2:1 NIV). “…YOU were DEAD in your sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).  Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were]…. DEAD … [and]…LOST…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). You were“…SEPARATED from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

How did the dry bones come ALIVE again? “… [God’s]…breath (SPIRIT) entered them; they came to LIFE…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

How did the first man Adam come ALIVE? “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of LIFE (SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

How did you come ALIVE again? “…God MADE you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….MADE [you]… ALIVE with Christ … …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were MADE]…. ALIVE AGAIN…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives “BIRTH” to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

How did the dry bones respond to the Father’s WORD?  “…They came to LIFE…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). How did Adam respond to God’s WORD? “…Man became a LIVING soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). How did you respond to God’s WORD? God “….MADE [you]… ALIVE with Christ … ”  (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

What actually MADE the dry bones, Adam, and You ALIVE? “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…The Father that dwelleth in [you]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

In the natural, Ezekiel was uncertain rather the dry bones could live but, he wasn’t uncertain of GOD'S supernatural POWER. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).  “…[Ezekiel]… said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God’s WORD activated the WORK of the Holy Spirit in spite of Ezekiel uncertainty? God’s WORD in Ezekiel’s mouth was the same as God’s WORD in his own mouth. “…So [Ezekiel]… prophesied as [he]… was commanded. And as [he]… was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. [he]… looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then ….breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATES HIS POWER. God’s WORD WORKS. Ezekiel didn’t know, in the natural, if the dry bones could live. However, He KNEW God was SOVEREIGN over EVERYTHING: “…I will put my Spirit in [them]… and [they]…will live…Then you will know that “I” the Lord have SPOKEN, and “I” have DONE it, declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God gave his sovereign WORD to Ezekiel and he SPOKE it. “…PROPHESY (speak) to these bones and SAY to them, ‘Dry bones, HEAR “THE WORD” of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord SAYS to these bones: I WILL make breath enter you, and YOU WILL come to life. I WILL attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I WILL put breath in you, and YOU WILL come to life…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“... [God]… asked [Ezekiel]… “Son of man, can these bones live?” [He]… said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV). The dead, dry bones “… came to LIFE…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

The question screams out to EVERY believer facing DEAD situations and circumstances “…can these bones live?”…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV). WHATEVER you are facing in life you may answer like Ezekiel did: “…Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

Ezekiel didn’t really answer the question. His lack of a direct answer looked like doubt, but it wasn’t. Usually uncertainty and unbelief are similar, yet different. In Ezekiel’s case the uncertainty or doubt was IN himself NOT God. “…But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something [or answer something, or do something,]… you are sinning if you go ahead and do it…” (Romans 14:23 NLT).

When you are uncertain about a matter; it is better not to answer or act on that uncertainty “… For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning…” (Romans 14:23 NLT).

Doing something with uncertainty or doubt, brings about condemnation because it didn’t come from FAITH. “…And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.…” (Romans 14:23 KJV).

Uncertainty can be about YOU and not necessarily about God. Uncertainty can also STEM from a man or woman’s turning their backs from depending upon God and returning to relying upon their OWN oscillating human ability, human will, human emotions, human mind, human faith, or human effort. “….Don't put your confidence in … people (or self); there is no help for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).

However, in the cases of uncertainty God is STILL merciful. “…And you must show MERCY to those whose faith is wavering….” (Jude 22 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God is “... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV). “…he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is…plenteous in mercy…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…Great is his mercy toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting …” (Psalms 103:17 KJV). “…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV). Therefore, “…you must show MERCY to those whose faith is wavering….” (Jude 22 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God showed mercy to the centurion while he struggled with faith. Struggling with faith is NOT always a sign of doubt or uncertainty about God, but about YOU. The centurion expressed he needed Jesus’ help with believing. The Centurion said to Jesus (the WORD): “…I DO believe; HELP me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV). The WORD helps your unbelief and empowers FAITH. “…Have MERCY upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy TENDER MERCIES…” (Psalms 51:1-4 KJV).

God’s merciful kindness assures you, “…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). I will supply your NEED for FAITH. Jesus’ disciples took pleasure in their insufficiencies. “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). In Hebrews 11 it says that BY FAITH (the empowering work of the HOLY SPIRIT) “… [people]… OUT OF WEAKNESS WERE MADE STRONG….” (Hebrews 11:33-34 KJV).

God says. “…My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). That’s why Ezekiel said, “…Sovereign Lord, you alone know…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

After the Centurion asked Jesus (the WORD that activates God's POWER) to help him with his doubt and uncertainty; he was empowered to receive what he asked God for. “…Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour…” (Matthew 8:13 KJV).  “…[You]… can do all things THROUGH Christ (the WORD) which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God’s HOLY, loving nature was gloriously merciful toward Ezekiel. God does not condemn Ezekiel, or reprimand him, or judge him, or lose patience with him, or get angry in regard to his uncertainty or doubt. Ezekiel’s answer stemmed from being aware of his OWN limitations, but NOT God’s. “…Sovereign Lord, YOU ALONE KNOW…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

God in his merciful love told Ezekiel to do something. “…PROPHESY (speak) to these bones and SAY to them, ‘Dry bones, HEAR “THE WORD” of the Lord! …” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Why did God do that? “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD…” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “…Now FAITH IS the substance (certainty) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

I used the Ezekiel example to demonstrate HOW God addresses areas of doubt or uncertainty. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV).

Not only did the dry bones HEAR the words of the Lord, but so DID Ezekiel. “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD…” (Romans 10:17 KJV).

The centurion also came to Jesus, the WORD. “…Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but SPEAK THE WORD ONLY, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under AUTHORITY, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so GREAT FAITH, no, not in Israel…” (Matthew 8:5-9 KJV).

Though the centurion questioned his OWN faith Jesus didn’t. “…When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so GREAT FAITH” (Matthew 8:5-9 KJV). However, the centurion said, “…I believe; HELP thou mine unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 KJV). Later, “…Jesus said unto the centurion …as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee…” (Matthew 8:13 KJV).

In both examples of faith, Ezekiel and the centurion showed signs of doubt and uncertainty within themselves. Yet Ezekiel acknowledged God’s sovereignty and the centurion acknowledged his authority.

The situations seemed humanly impossible, yet Ezekiel and the centurion both KNEW “…the things which are impossible with men are POSSIBLE with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…He replied, “What is impossible for people is POSSIBLE with God...” (Luke 18:27 NLT).

The centurion said, “…SPEAK THE WORD ONLY…” (Matthew 8 KJV). Ezekiel said, “…YOU ALONE KNOW…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

The centurion and Ezekiel recognized, acknowledged, and humbled themselves under the ALMIGHTY sovereignty and authority of God. “..Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord...” (James 4:10 KJV). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

The Christian journey takes you through difficult places or into situations with impossible human solutions, or in the middle of a valley of very dry, DEAD bones. God may ask you “…Can these bones live?”…” (Ezekiel 37:3 NIV).

In John chapter 11 Jesus shows up AFTER Lazarus is DEAD. After something or someone DIES there is sadness, pain, disappointment, hopelessness, and a looming sense of pending resignation.

When situations and circumstances appear dead, this is usually the time and place where many people “give up.” They may have even accused God of not working things out for GOOD the way HE claimed it would (Romans 8:28).

Martha, Lazarus’s sister, said, “… as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).

Martha had concluded Lazarus was long dead and it was TOO LATE for Jesus, the WORD, to do anything about it. She told him Jesus: “… Lord, by this time, he stinketh: for he hath been dead for four days …” (John 11:39 KJV).  “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  

Jesus responded: “…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 KJV). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

“…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). LIFE. LIFE. LIFE.

God has“…dealt to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).  “…For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you…” (Matthew 17:20 KJV).  “…Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

What did the POWERFUL WORD of God SAY to Mary and Martha?  “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). Jesus, the WORD, asked Mary and Martha: “…where have ye laid him?..’ (John 11:34 KJV). 

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for the Mary and Martha?   “And he that WAS DEAD came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for the centurion? “… And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant WAS HEALED that very moment…” (Matthew 8:13 NLT).

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for Ezekiel? “…So [Ezekiel]… prophesied as [he]… was commanded. And as [he]… was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and THE BONES CAME TOGETHER, bone to bone. [he]… looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then ….BREATH ENTERED THEM; they came to LIFE and STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

What did the POWERFUL WORD activate the HOLY SPIRIT to do for YOU? “…God MADE you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

In these examples of the WORK of the Holy Spirit, the bottom line is: THE FATHER’S WORD ACTIVATES HIS POWER!!