Discussion Guide | July 19, 2026

July 20th, 2026

Calling Forth Light in Dry Places | Dr. Bill Shuler Discussion Guide

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Bill explores Ezekiel 37, the famous vision of the valley of dry bones, drawing a powerful parallel between the spiritual condition of ancient Israel in Babylonian exile and the dry, hopeless seasons that believers face today. Just as God's people had lost hope, relinquished their faith, and allowed counterfeit gods to take priority, many people today find themselves in valleys where dreams, family relationships, careers, and spiritual vitality have dried up. Yet the central message is clear: if God sends a prophet, God is not finished with His people. The hand of the Lord, the breath of God (ruah), and the partnership between God and humanity are all active and available right now.

Pastor Bill challenges listeners to stop merely observing their difficult circumstances and instead begin speaking the word of God over them. Just as Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy to the dry bones rather than simply study them, believers are called to declare God's promises over every area of life. God's word changes the atmosphere, and His promises never return void. The sermon closes with a reminder that God always has the last word, and that word is good. What the enemy intended for destruction, God can transform into a vast, unified army rising in purpose and victory.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you today as a group of people who want to hear from you. Some of us may be walking through dry seasons, carrying burdens we have observed for far too long. We ask that you open our hearts and minds to receive exactly what you want us to take from this time together. Let your hand rest upon each person in this room. Breathe your Spirit into our conversation, our questions, and our listening. May we leave this time encouraged, challenged, and more deeply rooted in faith. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one promise someone made to you that you will never forget, and why did it mean so much?

Main Study

Key Verses

Ezekiel 37:1-14
Genesis 12:2
Luke 11:28
Isaiah 43:19

Questions

Pastor Bill described the valley of dry bones as a place of dashed hopes and dried-up dreams. Can you think of an area in your own life that has felt like a valley of dry bones? How did you respond to that season?
God asked Ezekiel, 'Can these bones live?' rather than Ezekiel asking God. The pastor suggested that God's questions are often a check of our heart and faith. What does that idea reveal about how God engages with us in our hardest moments?
Ezekiel responded to God's question by saying, 'Sovereign Lord, you alone know.' The pastor interpreted this as Ezekiel waiting on God's lead rather than expressing doubt. What is the difference between waiting on God's lead and simply giving up? How do you personally tell the difference?
The sermon emphasized that God commanded Ezekiel to speak to the dry bones, not just observe them. In what areas of your life have you been observing a problem rather than speaking God's word over it? What would it look like to make that shift this week?
Pastor Bill warned against 'small g gods,' meaning anything temporal that begins to dictate our lives and pull our faith away from God. What are some modern examples of small g gods that can quietly take hold of a person's hope and focus?
The story of Alex Sheen and his Father's promise cards illustrated the idea that a person of integrity keeps their word no matter what. How does that story deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances look hopeless?
The sermon referenced the prayer attributed to Sir Francis Drake, which asks God to disturb us when we dream too small and sail too close to the shore. In what ways might God be calling your group or your church to take a bolder step of faith right now?
The vision ends with a vast army standing on its feet, unified and full of life. What does that image stir in you personally, and what do you believe God might be calling you toward as you come out of a dry season?

Life Application

This week, choose one area of your life that has felt dry, hopeless, or stuck. Instead of continuing to observe it with worry or anxiety, write down two or three specific promises from Scripture that speak directly to that situation. Each day this week, speak those promises out loud over that area of your life. Keep a simple journal note of any shifts you notice in your perspective, your peace, or your circumstances. Come ready to share what you experienced with your group next time you meet.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God's hand and Spirit are actively at work in the lives of believers today, just as they were on Ezekiel in the valley. Living with the awareness that God's hand rests on you should shape how you speak, act, and respond to life's challenges.
Dry seasons are not the end of the story. The presence of a prophet, or in our case the presence of God's word and Spirit, signals that God is not finished and that victory is still on the horizon.
God calls us to speak His word over our circumstances, not simply to observe and analyze them. Declaring God's promises over dry situations is an act of faith that invites His breath and life into what appears dead.
Counterfeit gods, meaning anything temporal that competes for our faith and allegiance, are a primary reason believers end up spiritually dry. Recognizing and rejecting these distractions is essential to staying spiritually alive and moving.
God never forgets his promises or His people. Just as he watched over his word to Abraham and ultimately raised up a vast army from dry bones, he is faithful to bring about what he has spoken over every believer's life.

Ending Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the truth of your word and for the reminder that you are not done with any of us. We have talked today about dry valleys, about the power of your breath, and about the call to speak your promises rather than simply observe our pain. As we leave this time together, we ask that your ruah, your very breath, would move over every dry place in our lives. Breathe life into our families, our relationships, our careers, and our faith. Remind us this week that your hand rests upon us, that your promises are sure, and that you always have the last word. May we rise like that vast army, unified in purpose and full of your Spirit, ready to be used for your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

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