Scripture Focus
“On April 28, during the twenty-fifth year of our captivity—fourteen years after the fall of Jerusalem—the Lord took hold of me. As he brought me nearer, I saw a man whose face shone like bronze standing beside a gateway entrance. He was holding in his hand a linen measuring cord and a measuring rod.”
—Ezekiel 40:1, 3 (NLT)

“There was an altar made of wood, 5 ¼ feet high and 3 ½ feet across. Its corners, base, and sides were all made of wood. ‘This,’ the man told me, ‘is the table that stands in the Lord’s presence.’ Both the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place had double doorways, each with two swinging doors. The doors leading into the sanctuary were decorated with carved cherubim and palm trees, just as on the walls. And there was a wooden roof at the front of the entry room to the Temple.”
—Ezekiel 41:22–25 (NLT)

“How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.”
—Psalm 128:1–4 (NLT)


Reflection
25 years is a long time to be in a trial—banished from your land, the land of Israel lying in ruins, and the temple burnt to the ground. They had no power, no resources, and no way of thinking it would ever be rebuilt to the glory it once had. To see the glory of the Lord again felt impossible.
Yet it was in Babylon, far from Jerusalem, that Ezekiel received this vision. God gave him a glimpse of the future temple not while things were whole, but while everything was broken. Why? To remind His people that His promises are not tied to their current circumstances. Even in exile, God wanted them to know that restoration was certain.
This is the hope we cling to: God speaks of rebuilding and renewal in the very moments when we can’t imagine it. Just as He gave Ezekiel a vision of glory while the ashes were still fresh, He gives us promises of life, restoration, and blessing even when our situation looks hopeless.
And isn’t that the theme of this message? When the situation looks hopeless. Each of us has something in our life we long to see changed. For one it might be a loved one we’re waiting to come to the Lord. For another it might be a living situation that feels unbearable. For someone else it might be a job situation where doors just won’t open.
It’s not that everything in life is hopeless—we may have little pockets of victory here and there. But there’s always that one thing, that one prayer, where we cry again and again: “When, Lord?” It feels so hopeless.
And yet, this is exactly where God meets us. He gives visions of hope in the middle of ruins. He reminds us through Psalm 128 that as we fear the Lord and walk in His ways, we can still experience joy, blessing, and fruitfulness—even in the waiting. Circumstances may not shift overnight, but our hearts can find peace, courage, and joy as we trust Him.


Lesson for Me
My hope is not in what I see but in what God has promised. Even when I feel like I’m standing in ruins, He is working restoration that I cannot yet imagine. He calls me to keep walking in His ways, to keep fearing Him with reverence, and to keep trusting Him in the waiting. His blessings are not limited by my circumstances—they flow out of His character and His faithfulness.


Application Questions

1. What situation in my life feels the most hopeless right now?
2. How does Ezekiel’s vision of the temple encourage me to believe that God is still working, even when I can’t see progress?
3. Psalm 128 describes joy, prosperity, and fruitfulness for those who fear the Lord. What does fearing the Lord look like for me in this season of waiting?
4. Revelation 21 shows the ultimate restoration—God dwelling with His people forever. How can keeping eternity in view help me remain faithful today, even when the waiting feels long?

Promise to Hold Onto
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
—Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
When my situation feels hopeless, I can cling to the promise that God’s restoration will not only come but will be complete.


Prayer 🙏
Lord, You see the situations that feel hopeless in my life. You know the longings of my heart, the prayers I have prayed again and again, the ruins I sometimes feel surrounded by. Thank You that You are not limited by what I see. Thank You that Your promises remain true even in exile. Teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord and to find joy in Your presence while I wait. Fill my heart with courage, peace, and faith to keep trusting You, because I know You are the God who restores. Amen.


Takeaway
Even when the situation looks hopeless, God is already writing the story of restoration.
✨ Journaling Reminder: Sit quietly with Jesus and bring Him the situation that feels most hopeless. Ask Him to show you how He is working behind the scenes and write down the promise or encouragement He gives you today.