Speaking Life Over Dry Bones
"So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army." (Ez. 37:10)
First a little update:
I'm back! After 5 busy, rejuvinating months back home in Minnesota, I have returned, refreshed and restored, to Vienna, Austria.
Last year I struggled so much as I adjusted to new cultures, financial problems, and the slow process of building a new life and new relationships overseas. Twice. First in Norway, then in Austria. As I geared up to leave my home in Minnesota and return here, I was understandably pretty apprehensive. I used to be so eager to leave the USA. Having done so, the the fantasy aspect of it was torn away and reality landed in its place. I now find myself saying I would stay in Minnesota if it was for me, if I got to be selfish- but undeniably I feel called to Europe. My purpose, at least for a while, is here. The call of God can feel so strong, so compelling! Now I see why old testament authors wrote things like "your hand was heavy upon me".
Many people have prophecied Ezekiel 37, "The Valley of Dry Bones" over Austria. I would extend this to Europe as a whole. In that story, the Lord leads Ezekiel to a valley full of dry, long-dead bones, and tells him to prophecy life over them. As he does, the bones begin to rattle and move, to reassemble and grow flesh, until they are no longer bones but a vast army of living people. The word here for Europe is "You were once alive and now you're dead- come to life again!" In this powerful, beautiful continent there is such heritage for greatness in the faith, and right now, so many dry bones, waiting to be brought back to life. Some of them may be just beginning to rattle. As I talk online with my growing list of European contacts, my heart aches, because I hear the same struggles over and over- so many of them the same pains I trudged through last year and know all too well. In other coversations, there is a growing impression that some great God-thing is stirring.
Take a minute now- and more minutes whenever you're reminded- to pray with me for this continent and those fighting the good fight here. Let's speak life back into these bones! A few important, ongoing prayer points are detailed below:
PRAY:
~Against loneliness and Isolation- possibly the most heavy, universal struggle encountered in Europe, these are both an ever-present spiritual attack and a general societal problem. Many people are isolated. Many more who have relationships still feel alone. ~For Ressurection of the Dead- pray life into those dry, dead bones! Join God in this burst of life that is beginning to stir. Pray for revival, for awakening in the body of Christ, and for it to be mobilized and bold in sharing Christ.
~Pray for those currently ministring here to be refreshed and not give up (Galatians 6:9), and for more workers to join them (Luke 10:2)
~Pray for a greater awareness of spiritual hunger in people, and especially for them to recognize that only Jesus can fill it.
Thank you for fight alongside and for us! =D
""Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord,when I open your graves and bring you up from them..." declares the Lord." (Ez.37:13)
