Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.—Ezekiel 1:1

This verse is a simple beginning to a lengthy book—some forty-eight chapters—all filled with wonderful visions from God and sometimes some pretty amazing and even difficult to understand prophecies. Ezekiel, God’s prophet was greatly blessed to be used as God’s messenger to a downtrodden people.

What strikes me about this opening verse is the statement: I was among the captives… Ezekiel was in a hard time, at a hard place with all the other captives. They were still far away from home, still under someone else’s control, no liberty, no freedom. The consensus of the captives was—we want to go home.

But the verse goes on: that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. In this difficult place in Ezekiel’s life, God opened up Heaven and let Ezekiel see some pretty amazing visions. And isn’t that usually the case? When things are at their darkest, God shines forth the brightest. When we are in the midst of trouble and trials, God has a way of opening up our eyes to see Him more clearly.

If you are going through rough times—among the captives—so to speak. Look to God, He is there and He wants to show you great things you may not see any other way.