When wisdom begins with ‘I don’t know’

David Bowman Oct. 3, 2025

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Then he said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I replied, "Lord God, only you know."—‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭37‬:‭3‬

Sometimes, the smartest answer is, "I don't know." One of the wisest replies in our repertoire is, "I don't know, and I'm willing to learn." Or, as Yogi Berra said, "You can observe a lot by watchin'."

God's question was not meant to trick Ol' Zeke. It was intended to get him thinking about what is possible with God. Since nothing is impossible with God, the possibilities are endless.

Dry bones, however, don't provide a whole lot of hope for anything.

A truly earnest man called a few years ago. He had an urgent question about death. His father was in his last days, and he wanted to know if cremated bodies are able to go to heaven. You may have a ready response to this question. I do now. The call caught me off guard at that moment. It took a moment to come up with what I'm pretty sure is the right answer.

God created Adam from dust (Genesis 2:7). It stands to reason that God can do more with ashes than we can by attempting to assist him with mummified remains.

Ezekiel answered wisely: "LORD GOD, only you know." God then taught him a thing or two and preserved the lessons for you and me. God can take the most hopeless situation and bring meaningful life into full awakening.

What feels dead or dying in your world today? What can only God do? How does God's ability and your necessity lead you to pray and live?

God put skin on those bones, but they were still nothing but bodies without animation. God told Zeke to speak.

He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man. Say to it: This is what the Lord God says: Breath, come from the four winds and breathe into these slain so that they may live!" (‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭37‬:‭9‬)

What does God need to breathe on for you? What would honor Him and serve the world?

Prayer: Our Father, dead things lie all around me. Best intentions, loving anticipation, fondest hopes, and deepest dreams clatter all around. Would You breathe on these and bring them to life? Would You do what only You can do and bless multitudes with Your goodness and greatness? Amen.

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David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More »

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