* God had a hard message for the Israelites, but He first had to make Ezekiel the message.

* Before God used Ezekiel greatly He hurt him deeply.

* God battered Ezekiel into the shape of the person who would deliver the message.

* This is the difference between gifting and anointing.

* Ezekiel was a gifted speaker, but his anointing came through suffering.

* He had to experience the message first-hand.

* Gifting comes directly from God.

* Anointing requires our participation - it comes as we go through the fire and still hold on to our faith.