Speak Life: Leading Through Dry Seasons

Steve’s morning commute was usually predictable—same coffee, same route, same stoplight where he often noticed a homeless man sitting on the corner. Most days, Steve would glance over, feel a flicker of sympathy, and drive on. But this morning was different. 

As he waited at the red light, a recent sermon came to mind—one about Ezekiel standing in a valley of dry bones. The preacher had reminded them that God didn’t ask Ezekiel to analyze the bones or mourn over them. He asked him to speak to them—to prophesy life where death seemed final. 

Steve sat there for a moment, hearing that question echo in his heart: “Can these bones live?” 

The man on the corner wasn’t just a face in need—he was a reminder of potential waiting to be spoken to. So instead of driving on, Steve whispered a prayer: “Lord, breathe life into him. Restore his hope. Revive what seems lost.” 

As he continued to work, something shifted in Steve. He realized that the same invitation God gave Ezekiel was still open—to speak life into every dry, discouraged, disconnected situation around us. 

That day, Steve didn’t just see problems; he saw possibilities. 

He greeted his team with encouragement instead of exhaustion. 

He prayed silently for colleagues walking through quiet valleys of their own. 

He chose to use his words—not as weapons of critique—but as instruments of restoration. 

What started with one homeless man on a street corner became a ripple effect of life spoken into an entire workplace. Steve learned that leadership isn’t always about grand gestures or big platforms—it’s about everyday moments when we choose to speak life where others only see loss. 

Scriptural Anchor: The Valley of Vision

In Ezekiel 37:3, God poses a question that echoes through every generation of leadership: “Can these dry bones live?” 

It wasn’t a question of possibility—it was an invitation to participate in transformation. 

In leadership, we often stand before “dry bones”—teams that have lost enthusiasm, organizations drained by change, or personal callings that feel delayed. The instinct is to evaluate, analyze, or strategize our way through. But God invited Ezekiel to do something different—to prophesy, to speak life into what seemed lifeless. 

True leadership calls us to see beyond what is and declare what can be. 

Leadership Insight: The Power of Voice

Words shape culture. They build or break morale, ignite or extinguish hope. 

Every time a leader speaks, something shifts—internally and externally. 

In the valley, God didn’t ask Ezekiel to pick up the bones—He told him to speak to them. That’s a leadership lesson. Some valleys can’t be managed; they must be spoken into. 

When leaders use their voice to call forth purpose, potential, and partnership, things begin to connect. 

• Speak vision, not just data. 

• Speak hope, not just plans. 

• Speak restoration, not resignation. 

Leadership Development Takeaways

1. See Beyond the Surface.

Leaders with vision don’t deny reality—they redefine it. They look at dry bones and see the possibility of a living army. Growth starts when we ask, “What could this become?” 

2. Speak Intentionally.

Your words carry weight. In meetings, emails, and everyday conversations, practice the discipline of speaking life. Encouragement is oxygen for weary teams. 

3. Lead with Faith, Not Fear.

Ezekiel didn’t know how the bones would live, but he obeyed anyway. Leaders don’t always need the how before saying yes. Courage is faith in motion. 

4. Prophesy to the Process.

Leadership restoration happens in stages. First the bones connect, then the breath comes. Don’t give up during the in-between seasons. Keep declaring life until alignment happens. 

5. Let the Wind Work.

The breath (spirit) of God is what brings true revival. Great leadership creates space for the “wind”—creativity, collaboration, and divine insight—to flow freely. 

Scripture Focus

“So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceeding great army.” 

— Ezekiel 37:10 (KJV) 

Reflection Questions

1. Where in your leadership or life do you see “dry bones”? 

2. How can your words begin to breathe life into that area today? 

3. What’s one situation you’ve been analyzing that now needs your declaration of faith? 

4. How can you cultivate a “speak life” culture in your organization or team? 

Prayer

Father, give us eyes to see potential where others see problems. 

Teach us to speak life into the valleys of our leadership—into weary teams, delayed dreams, and discouraged hearts. 

Breathe Your fresh wind upon us, reviving purpose, passion, and perspective. 

May our words align with Your will so that what was once disconnected becomes whole again. 

Amen.