Ezekiel 24:25-27

Ezekiel 24:25-27 (ESV):  “25 “As for you, son of man, surely on the day when I take from them their stronghold, their joy and glory, the delight of their eyes and their soul’s desire, and also their sons and daughters, 26 on that day a fugitive will come to you to report to you the news. 27 On that day your mouth will be opened to the fugitive, and you shall speak and be no longer mute. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord.””

Hope often comes in the most inconspicuous ways. In this case, it will come through the fall of Jerusalem. That moment will be the turning point for Israel—when mourning will give way to rejoicing. God is always at work!

Ezekiel 24 marks the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s siege on Jerusalem. The Lord reveals that the city will be destroyed, the Temple defiled, and many lives lost. Yet one will escape (Ezek. 33:21) to bring word of these events to the prophet. At that time, Ezekiel’s mouth will be opened, and he will begin to speak words of life into the hearts of the captives, for God’s plan of restoration will have begun.

Do you despise the days of hardship? Remember this: God is using them to position us where He can rebuild and restore. That is the purpose of His discipline. Hope never ceases, even when it’s hard to see how God could bring beauty from ashes. What we do know is this—God is faithful. His desire is to shape us, to reconcile with us, and to forgive us. Whatever trial you face today, know there is purpose in it, and hope will arise through it. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and you will be just fine.

Father, be glorified in whatever way You see fit in our lives. When we walk through the depths of adversity, fill us with hope, and help us not to miss the lesson You desire to teach. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.