Releasing Divine Restoration
In a vision, I found myself gazing at an unusual scene: four angelic beings, each seated on golden pedestals at the corners of a large rectangular platform. I sensed their connection to the four winds of the earth described in the Bible. As their wings gently fluttered, an ever-so-light breeze swept over me, and I wept as waves of restoration washed through my being. These angels were releasing divine restoration into the earth. This was my first encounter with the four winds.
Over the years, I have incorporated declarations and decrees into my prayers and intercession, asking the Lord to release His four winds throughout the earth. Recently, my pastor felt a strong prompting, sensing it was time to release these winds. His faith was activated by what he heard and saw in the Spirit, reminding us to keep the Holy Spirit's intercession alive for the four winds of Heaven to do their work in the earth, perhaps now more than ever.
Throughout Scripture, the sovereignty of the Lord is personified by the four winds released by His angelic hosts. These winds symbolize God's omnipotent power and authority over the entire earth, influencing all corners of the world. A key passage that highlights this is Ezekiel 37. The Lord commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones, which activated God's restoration and formed a powerful army.
Another significant event involving the wind was on the day of Pentecost. A mighty wind blew (Acts 2:1–4), accomplishing God's purpose of gathering and unifying a diverse, multi-cultural group. In this great outpouring of God's Spirit, there was a great ingathering of souls into the Kingdom. As a diversity of tongues was understood by the crowd, the dispersion of languages at the Tower of Babel was reversed. When God's winds blow, they serve His multifaceted purposes.
The firepower of the four winds being released into the earth is multi-purposed and dimensional. We believe these winds are being released today to achieve God's purposes in this season of shaking, sifting, and harvest.
Before diving into this passage, let's examine three foundational Scriptures that illustrate the significance of the four winds.
Key Foundations
The four winds are a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over creation and His plan for humanity. They underscore the reach of His judgment and the promise of His ultimate restoration.
"And I will bring upon Elam the four winds from the four quarters of Heaven. And I will scatter them to all those winds, and there shall be no nation to which those driven out of Elam shall not come." (Jeremiah 49:36 ESV)
"Daniel spoke and said, 'I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the Heaven strove upon the great sea.'" (Daniel 7:2 KJ21)
"And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of Heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:31 KJ21)
"[A]nd gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalm 107:3 ESV) (Photo via Unsplash)
The four winds in the Bible symbolize God's omnipotent power and authority over the entire earth. They illustrate His ability to influence all corners of creation, affecting land, sea, people, and nations. During the return of Christ, the elect will be gathered from the four winds, signifying a universal ingathering and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Ezekiel 37: Restoration of an Army
One of the most vivid and powerful images involving the four winds is found in Ezekiel 37, the vision of the valley of dry bones. This passage vividly illustrates the theme of restoration and the gathering of an army through the divine breath carried by the four winds.
In Ezekiel's vision, he was brought to a valley filled with dry bones and commanded to prophesy over them. As he did, the bones came together, and flesh and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then, in Ezekiel 37:9, God commanded Ezekiel to call upon the four winds: "Then said He unto me, 'Prophesy unto the wind. Prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, "Thus saith the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live"'" (KJ21).
The breath from the four winds represents the life-giving Ruach of God, His Spirit, which brings dead bones to life, transforming them into a vast army. Ruach, a versatile Hebrew word, encompasses breath, wind, and spirit, underscoring the interconnectedness of physical life, natural elements, and divine presence in biblical thought. This imagery of the four winds brings Israel from a state of despair and death to one of renewed life and strength, ready to fulfill God's purposes and destiny. The vision highlights God's power to revive and restore His people, infusing them with His Spirit to become a formidable force aligned with His divine will.
Attributes of the Four Winds
Each of the four winds—north, east, west, and south—has distinct attributes and symbolic meanings in the Scripture, often derived from their geographical and cultural contexts.
North wind: The north wind is often associated with cold, harshness, and divine judgment. It symbolizes adversity and challenges. Job 37:22 highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence, describing the north wind as bringing golden splendor and majesty. Proverbs 25:23 suggests that the north wind can bring unpleasant consequences, likened to divine judgment. Jeremiah 1:14 portrays the north as a source of impending trouble, underscoring its association with judgment. Ezekiel 1:4 emphasizes the dramatic aspects of the north wind with imagery of a windstorm and lightning. Ecclesiastes 1:6 describes the cyclical nature of the north wind, while Song of Solomon 4:16 shows it as part of a divine blessing when combined with the south wind.
East wind: The east wind is frequently linked with destruction, punishment, and desolation. In Exodus 10:13, the east wind brought locusts, symbolizing divine judgment. Genesis 41:6 uses the east wind to foretell famine and hardship in Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream. Ezekiel 17:10 further illustrates the destructive power of the east wind, causing plants to wither and die. Ecclesiastes 1:6 also mentions the cyclical nature of the east wind, reinforcing its continual impact.
West wind: The west wind typically symbolizes relief, deliverance, and blessing. It represents the end of trials and the start of restoration and peace. In Exodus 10:19, the west wind drives away the locusts, signifying deliverance from divine judgment and the beginning of restoration. Psalm 107:3 includes the west wind in the ingathering of God's people from all directions, highlighting its role in unity and restoration.
South wind: The south wind is often associated with warmth, growth, and prosperity. It symbolizes abundance, comfort, and favorable conditions. Luke 12:55 acknowledges the south wind's association with heat and its weather impact. Job 37:17 describes the south wind as bringing nurturing warmth, contributing to growth and prosperity. Acts 27:13 portrays the south wind as gentle and favorable for sailing. Ecclesiastes 1:6 mentions the cyclical nature of the south wind, and Song of Solomon 4:16 depicts it as part of a divine blessing when combined with the north wind, spreading the garden's fragrance everywhere.
The Scope and Breadth of the Four Winds Is Not Limited
The east wind is a distinctly powerful, dry, and hot wind; the winds from the other three directions do not appear to have absolute attributes. The west wind is mentioned just once, in connection with the plague of locusts in Exodus 10:19. The north wind brings rain (Proverbs 25:23) and is associated with a windstorm accompanied by brilliant flashes of lightning (Ezekiel 1:4). The north and south winds appear to go round and round in an unending course (Ecclesiastes 1:6) and are welcome winds that spread fragrance (Song of Solomon 4:16). The south wind could be hot (Luke 12:55) or gentle (Acts 27:13).
The power of the four winds of the Bible is tremendous, both figuratively and practically. It can churn the great sea and uproot and scatter powerful empires (Daniel 7:2, 8:8, 11:4; Zechariah 2:6). The combined power of the four winds of Heaven was to be deployed against the nation of Elam, to scatter the people in all directions (Jeremiah 49:36). (Photo via Unsplash)
In another situation of a positive nature, the four winds were called upon to gather together and breathe life into the slain so that they could live (Ezekiel 37:9). Of greater significance is the reference to the four winds in the events that will occur when the Son of Man returns in His glory. "... He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other" (Matthew 24:31), or "... from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens" (Mark 13:27).
John, in his vision, saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land, sea, or trees (Revelation 7:1). This act signifies a moment of infinite calm, reflecting the profound and multifaceted ways in which God's winds fulfill His divine purposes. You cannot put the four winds in a box!
The Four Winds Impact Things Globally
The four winds have a global impact, flowing from the four corners of the earth. They symbolize God's omnipotent power and authority over all creation. These winds are not confined to one region but affect the entire world, demonstrating God's reach and influence. The imagery of the four winds emphasizes the universal scope of God's actions and His ability to effect change on a global scale. In light of this, God invited Ezekiel to release the four winds in his vision of the valley of dry bones.
This is particularly significant because we have entered into a season where the spiritual warfare has been elevated to a global dimension. World forces are working to organize against the saints as the Ekklesia rises up. God may call us to co-labor with Him in matters of the four winds. If it is a season when God is highlighting the four winds, then we can bring this into our intercession in the throne room.
They Change the Seasons and Bring Divine Synchronization
The four winds are pivotal in shifting spiritual seasons, ushering in transitions that close one chapter and open another. Just as natural winds signal seasonal changes, the four winds indicate spiritual shifts, preparing us for new beginnings aligned with God's divine timing and purposes. They remind us that each phase in life is part of a greater plan, much like the sons of Issachar who possessed wisdom and understanding to discern the times, seasons, and epochs (1 Chronicles 12:32).
Moreover, the four winds bring divine synchronization, aligning our lives with God's order so that everything unfolds in its appointed time and sequence. This alignment ensures that we are positioned to fulfill our purposes, guiding us through life with a profound sense of divine timing. Through these spiritual winds, God orchestrates our steps, allowing His plans to manifest seamlessly and purposefully.
God's Universal Power and Authority Displayed Through the Four Winds
We often like to categorize things neatly into boxes, but the Scriptures reveal the multifaceted nature of God's actions when He releases His winds from the four corners of the earth. We cannot confine God to a box, as His ways are diverse, multidimensional, and beyond our full comprehension.
The four winds—north, east, west, and south—carry deep symbolic meanings in the Bible, each representing different aspects of God's interaction with the world. The north wind often brings adversity and judgment, the east wind signifies destruction or significant change, the west wind offers relief and blessing, and the south wind conveys warmth and prosperity. Each wind carries God's purposes to accomplish His will, both in the natural and spiritual realms.
Scriptural references, such as Jeremiah 49:36 and Daniel 7:2, demonstrate God's universal power and authority through these winds. They play crucial roles in times of ingathering and harvest, bringing together God's people from every corner of the earth and driving forward His divine plans.
In Ezekiel 37, we see a vivid portrayal of the four winds in action, where the divine breath—the Ruach—flows from the winds to breathe life into dry bones, transforming them into a mighty army. This vision highlights the life-giving and restorative power of the winds, showing God's ability to revive what seems dead and restore hope.
In conclusion, the four winds demonstrate God's omnipotence, judgment, restoration, and blessing. They reflect His sovereign control over all creation, His ability to shape history, and His plan for humanity's ultimate redemption and unity. Furthermore, as Believers, we can co-labor with God by making declarations and decrees, even prophesying to the winds, becoming vessels of His breath in the earth. By partnering with God in faith, we can help release His divine purposes in seasons of change, restoration, and harvest. This rich and powerful imagery of the four winds serves as a reminder of God's unfathomable ways and His unwavering presence in every corner of creation.
Four Steps to Engage with the Four Winds
1. Engage in Throne Room Worship
Enter worship focused on God's throne, as depicted in Revelation 4 and 5, to acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His powerful presence. Elevate worship by incorporating songs, prayers, and declarations that honor God's majesty, creating a space for the four winds to move and operate (Psalm 22:3; John 4:24). Such worship welcomes His Spirit to fill the atmosphere, as when God's presence filled the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13–14). (Photo via Unsplash)
2. Discern the Season and Align with God's Purpose
Seek God's guidance to discern the current spiritual season, as the sons of Issachar did. Position yourself in alignment with His will, yielding to the Holy Spirit's leading (Proverbs 3:5–6; John 16:13; Romans 8:14). Pray for insight to recognize shifts in seasons affecting your life and ministry, aligning your heart with God's purposes (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8; Isaiah 43:19). Invite God's wisdom and understanding, asking for the Spirit of discernment and revelation (Ephesians 1:17–18).
3. Engage in Intercession
Partner with the Holy Spirit in fervent intercession, asking for the release of the four winds to bring healing, restoration, and new beginnings (James 5:16; Romans 8:26–27). Join with other Believers in corporate prayer, seeking God's face together for His manifestation through the winds (Acts 4:31; Matthew 18:19–20). Like Daniel, who prayed for divine intervention in his time, seek God's timing and movement through intercession (Daniel 9:3–4, 21–23).
4. Declare and Decree
Use your authority in Christ to declare and decree God's will, calling forth the four winds in alignment with His purposes, as Ezekiel did. Speak life over dry bones and call forth God's purposes into being (Job 22:28; Mark 11:23–24). Integrate specific decrees in prayer, trusting in God's promises and proclaiming His word as a powerful force for transformation and transition (Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 1:12).
Prophetic Prayer: The Four Winds Blow
Heavenly Father,
We stand in unity, hearts open, and spirits ready to receive the power of Your mighty winds. As declared in Your Word, we acknowledge the four winds—north, east, west, and south—as instruments of Your sovereign authority, established to move upon the earth. From Your heavenly storehouse, we call forth these winds to advance Your Kingdom and to counter the forces that rise against You and Your people.
We decree the release of Your north wind to cleanse and purify, sweeping away all that stands against Your holiness and truth. Bring the light of Your justice upon every hidden work of darkness, breaking strongholds and exposing deception.
We summon the east wind to bring transformation that uproots the old and awakens the dawn of Your purpose. Let it be a force of divine reset, clearing paths and creating openings for Your will to be fulfilled.
We call forth Your west wind to bring relief, breaking the weight of oppression and scattering adversity. Let this wind carry restoration, healing, and supernatural peace, dismantling every plan of the enemy and reinforcing Your people with strength.
We invite Your south wind to breathe prosperity and favor, releasing the fragrance of blessing and the warmth of divine comfort. Let it be a wind of growth and increase, pushing Your people into new territories, overflowing with abundance and aligning with Your ultimate purposes.
Lord, we acknowledge that Your ways are beyond our understanding and that each of Your winds serves a purpose we may not fully see. Yet, we trust Your divine wisdom and submit ourselves to Your will. May these winds fulfill Your plan of redemption and restoration, aligning every nation, tribe, and tongue under Your authority.
We thank You, Lord, for the life-giving breath of Your Spirit. As Ezekiel called upon the breath to revive the dry bones, we now prophesy to the winds over every dormant area in our lives and across the nations. Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon us! Revive us, restore us, and transform us into a mighty army, ready to fulfill Your Kingdom purposes and resist all forces set against You.
In the name of Jesus, we declare these things, amen.
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Will Meier
Awakening Destiny Global
Email:Â info@awakeningdestiny.global
Website:Â www.awakeningdestiny.global
Will and Donna Meier are dynamic leaders at Awakening Destiny Global, passionately dedicated to awakening Believers and nations to their God-given destinies. Their mission is to restore and catalyze a global movement of spiritual revival and transformation. Will, a Kingdom entrepreneur, speaker, and leadership coach, combines decades of experience in a Fortune 50 aerospace company with his spiritual leadership. He is the author of 'Leaders for Life—Creating Champions through the NOW Leadership Process,' focusing on integrating Kingdom principles into marketplace leadership. Donna is actively involved in their community and was recently elected to the local board of education, where she advocates for children and aims to drive positive change. Their shared commitment to spiritual and community leadership makes them an influential apostolic and prophetic team across both spiritual and secular spheres. Will and Donna have two sons, live in Connecticut, and enjoy outdoor adventures and travel.
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