Last month, forty-four year old Jaye entered a treatment facility for drugs and alcohol. I have loved and prayed for Jaye since he was a little boy. He lost his way a long time ago. 

I’m reminded of the bible story of Ezekiel and the valley filled with the dry bones of people who had been dead a long time.

First, God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” testing Ezekiel’s understanding. When Ezekiel answers, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know ,” God asks Ezekiel to prophesy, to speak his belief that God can give those bones the miracle of life.

As I read the story, I hear my doubts. Can Jaye actually stay for the entire year-long program? Can he stay clean once he leaves? I asked the question of God,

“Can these bones live?”

Jaye didn’t make it. He was gone in less than two weeks. The prophesying by the leaders in the facility had barely begun. I’m disappointed.

I wanted the miracle.

The difference of course between Jaye and the valley of dry bones, is the gift of free will. Unlike the people in the valley of dry bones,

Jaye is alive and thus has the God-given choice between life and death.

Tonight I pray for Jaye and his parents.

Ezekiel said, “Sovereign Lord, only you alone know.” (Isaiah 37: 3)

Accepting some of the choices that our loved ones make can be the toughest thing we do in life.

Eventually, we have to let go of our dreams for them, and our responsibility. Eventually, we have to entrust our loved ones to God.

God alone can bring new life.

God alone knows when and how our loved one will choose to be transformed.