God’s gift . . .

Encouragement in the Wind  

Wind is an intriguing experience . . . it’s invisible, yet its presence is unmistakable and its power undeniable . . . We cannot see it, but we can feel it on our skin and watch it move within the world around us.

We see the wind’s effects—the swaying of trees, the filling of sails, the movement of clouds, but we can’t see the wind itself . . . The wind remains a mystery. 

And like the wind, the Spirit of God cannot be seen, but the presence can be felt and the power is unmistakable . . . And just like the wind, when the Holy Spirit brings new life to one’s heart and soul, the process is unseen and mysterious . . . But we can see the effects of the Spirit’s presence in the spiritual fruit produced and the life that is changed . . . It makes sense then, that the Hebrew word “ruach” is used for both wind and Spirit.  

God’s Spirit brings life to the lifeless, energy to the stagnant, and beauty to every heart touched . . . just  like the wind breathes energy and verve to the grass, trees, plants, ocean waves, and clouds, making them come alive . . . Through the breath of the Spirit, each of us becomes what we never could on our own. 

In John 15:26 Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples . . .  Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is our comforter, counselor, helper, advocate, intercessor, and strengthener . . . As believers we are to continue in the Spirit, live our life in spirit and truth, walk in the spirit, and pray in the spirit. 

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, always rooted and grounded in God’s Word, and will always point us to Jesus . . . The Holy Spirit helps us in prayer, by interceding before God on our behalf according to God’s will for our lives . . . and the Holy Spirit helps provide spiritual strength daily. 

What if every time we felt or observed the wind, we prayed for a fresh “filling up” of the Spirit in our heart and soul? 

INSIGHT . . . 

“The wind blows wherever it pleases.
We feel and hear it, but we cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.
So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
John 3:8 

Religion gives us forms and shapes for God to fit into –
but He constantly proves to be bigger – wider – and deeper than our boxes.
Just when we think we’ve figured out where God is – going next – or doing next –
the wind – ( or the spirit) – blows somewhere else.
(Mike Erre) 

Have you ever felt like you were standing in a valley of dry bones?  . . . Surrounded by unlikely or unattainable outcomes, hope seeming lost and scattered like dry leaves on a windy day? . . .  These are the moments that we need to remember the power of God's Spirit . . . the power of God’s wind that can breathe life into even the worst situations.

The imagery of wind for God's Spirit is woven throughout Scripture, from the very beginning of creation to the day of Pentecost
. . . Jesus spoke of the unpredictable nature of the Spirit, relating it to wind that "blows where it pleases" . . . We can’t see God's Spirit moving in our lives . . . we may not always understand or be able to predict its direction, but we can witness its power to change both us and the people around us . . . to bring life and energy where there was nothing before.

One of the most vivid, intense portrayals of the Spirit's life-giving power is in Ezekiel 37 . . . the vision of the valley of dry bones . . . a vast plain strewn with skeletal remains, scattered and parched beyond recognition . . . a scene of utter hopelessness, a representation of spiritual death that seems beyond resurrection.

God asks Ezekiel a seemingly absurd question, "Can these bones live?"  . . . God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, to speak life into death . . . As Ezekiel obeys, a miraculous transformation begins—bones reconnect, flesh appears—but there is still no breath, there is no life 

The first step in connecting with the Spirit is to acknowledge our limitations and God's limitless potential, just as Ezekiel did . . . It's a powerful reminder that outward restoration and restructuring is futile unless there is an inward, deep heart and soul change  . . . We can't simply "clean up" our lives or rehabilitate ourselves on our own . . . True life only comes through the breath of God . . . through the Holy Spirit. 

So, God commands Ezekiel to prophesy again . . . this time to the breath itself, calling the wind to come from all four directions and breathe life into the lifeless . . . only then do the once-dry bones become a living army . . . the winds—the breath of life through the Spirit.

What does this mean for you and me? . . . for our spiritual lives? . . .  God often leads us to confront impossibilities . . .  Like Ezekiel, we may find ourselves face-to-face with situations that seem beyond hope . . . but these are the exact moments where God's power can shine brightest. 

We can partner with the Spirit . . . participate in the process . . . align our words and actions with God’s will . . . remember, external change is not enough . . . attempts at self-improvement fall short without the presence of God's Spirit in our hearts and souls . . . In the valley of the dry bones, the wind was called from all directions, expressing God's ability to bring life into every area of existence . . . be willing to invite the wind of God's Spirit into all aspect of your life. 

INVITATION—TO TALK WITH GOD . . . 

The Holy Spirit is here, living and active,
ready to speak words of comfort and courage
to each of us who believe in Jesus.
(Michele Cushatt) 

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18 

We realize the Spirit of God isn’t something we can see or predict  . . .  Like the wind, it doesn’t always move in ways we understand . . . The wind is invisible, but its effects are everywhere—trees sway, grasses ripple, and birds quickly adjust their flight paths . . . this is the way God’s Spirit moves in our lives . . . and the Spirit always moves with God’s purpose
. . . Sometimes, it feels like a gentle breeze that brings comfort and peace—other times, it’s a hurricane that uproots plans, pushing us into uncharted, unknown territory . . . What God does with those things, to work out for our good, is up to Him . . .
Our response is to trust and obey—in both the calmness and the storm.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 

What “winds” are blowing in your life right now?  
                                    Are they gentle breezes or strong gales? 

How might the Spirit be using these moments to shape your character
or give strength to your foundation? . . . Ask God for insight, understanding, and help. 

In order to work with God’s will in our lives, to align with the Spirit working within us, we need to be willing to yield to the Wind . . . Be open to God's leading, even when it takes each of us to unexpected places.  . . .  situations that seem unpleasant could be filled with potential for spiritual growth and influence. 

What areas of your life need a little “yielding to God’s will?” 

Remind yourself to speak life and hope into situations . . . use your words, scripture, and faith to declare God's truth over what seems hopeless  . . . Declare, proclaim, speak out loud—to the "dry bones" in your life and the lives of others.

Pray for the Spirit’s breath into your “dry bones” . . .
           and into the life of another who you know needs God’s Spirit working in their heart. 

Ask God to send His Spirit to breathe life into areas of spiritual dryness or death.

And this is VERY CRITICAL . . .  Stay rooted in God’s truth . . . While we should be open to the Spirit's movement, we must remain grounded in Scripture . . . The wind of God's Spirit will never contradict His written Word.

We can be just as spiritually dead as those dry bones . . . or we may know someone who is struggling with this . . . whether literally or figuratively—anyone’s “dry bones” are not beyond God's reach . . . pray for the wind, for the breath of life . . . Let the wind blow . . . And watch as what was once dead becomes an unstoppable force for God's kingdom . . . watch as God breathes new life, gives His Spirit, and brings each of us into His kingdom . . . those who once were dead have now been made alive in Christ.

ILLUMINATION . . . 

Does your dog like the wind in his or her face?  . . . head out of the car window and posing there, ears and hair flowing in the breeze? . . . It almost looks like an audition for a shampoo commercial on TV . . . Some dogs don't even need to be in a car to enjoy the wind in their faces . . . They'll stand as still as a statue facing the wind on the sidewalk, in the park, in the garden, or on the beach, just letting it blow over them . . . and it seems that they are smiling, exuding pure joy. 

What about you? . . . pause and reflect a moment . . . and feel that cool, refreshing breeze on your face . . . You know the feeling when you’re walking outside, maybe on a crisp autumn day, or even during a warm summer evening and a gentle gust of wind just sweeps over you? . . . it instantly makes everything feel better. 

It’s God’s way of giving you a hug, with a refreshing reset button for your senses and your heart and soul . . . The wind can instantly lift your mood, clear your head, and make you feel more alive . . . reminding one to pause, breathe, and appreciate the present moment. 

When you’re stressed out, overwhelmed, or just stuck in a rut, step outside for a moment and let the wind blow through your hair . . . Experiencing a cool breeze can help reduce stress and anxiety, pulling your attention away from worries and grounding you in the present moment—like a mini-meditation, a natural way to interrupt negative thought patterns and bring a sense of calm. 

When you step outside and feel that cool breeze, you might also find yourself thinking more clearly, coming up with new ideas, or simply feeling more alert and energized . . . It’s God’s Spirit giving your brain a gentle nudge, helping you break free from mental blocks . . . and reminding you that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most insightful. 

Even in our busy, chaotic lives there are moments of peace, refreshment, and joy to be found through experiences that tickle the senses—like the wind . . .  Whether it’s a gentle whisper on a hot summer evening or a crisp gust on an autumn day, that cool breeze is a gift—God’s gift  . . . remember to take a moment to really appreciate it, slow down, be present, and savor the simple things . . . Embrace the breeze and let the wind rejuvenate your mind and spirit. 

INSPIRATION—PRAYING THROUGH MUSIC . . . 

Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God
and the permissible delights of the soul.
(Johann Sebastian Bach) 

I encourage you to take time to listen to any or all the songs below . . . there is no right or wrong style of music—it is what speaks to you . . . listen to the melody and the lyrics and feel the response of your heart to what God wants you to hear . . . and I do understand that music doesn’t speak to everyone . . . and that is okay too. 

♪♬♪ Current . . .  Fresh Wind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LRqPaBCRVs
 

♪♬♪ Traditional . . . Spirit of the Living God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYfzcYohWZg&list=RDJYfzcYohWZg&start_radio=1 

INTO EACH DAY AHEAD . . . 

Listen to the whispers of the wind – it is wise – and knows where to take you.
 (Amara Honeck) 

We know one major characteristic of the Lord is that He doesn’t change . . . Seasons change, but God doesn’t  . . . The only constant in life is that everything changes . . . The constant in God is that He is constantly the same . . .  even in the darkest moments, the God is with us . . . We could be walking through the driest and hottest desert of life, and His wind will still show up and provide the breeze of freshness needed for each of us to calm down and find peace again. 

If you are going through a tough season—or someone you are praying for is struggling—know that God will blow the wind of change in your direction . . . have hope . . . it may surprise you, like those odd cooler days in the middle of summer. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 

Lord, we know Your Spirit moves in ways we don’t always understand, but that is okay.
Help each of us trust You in the calm and in the storms of our lives.
Let the Spirit blow into every corner of our existence
and fill us with the power of Your presence. In Christ’s name—Amen.

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Prayer Paths (written by Dr. Debbie Parcel)
is a weekly email letter designed to “fuel”
your active prayer life, help you stay engaged in
focused prayer, and encourage a
growing relationship with our Triune God. 

To receive Prayer Paths by email each week—send a request,
with your name and email,
to BarnabasRoad2025@gmail.com 

(Prayer Paths is offered through Barnabas Road Ministries)