Living beyond the rim means being liberated from the worries and cares of this world. It means embracing a greater purpose and looking forward to eternity with hope and anticipation
The Grand Canyon, with its vast expanse and awe-inspiring beauty, draws millions of visitors each year. Yet, for many, their experience remains superficial, limited to a mere glimpse from the rim. It is those who dare to venture down into the canyon’s depths who are rewarded with a transformative and profound encounter.
Similarly, the journey of faith often finds individuals lingering at the rim, content with surface-level engagement with God and the church. Attendance on Sundays and occasional prayers may suffice for some, but to truly know and experience the depths of God’s presence requires a willingness to go beyond the superficial.
The analogy drawn between exploring the Grand Canyon and encountering God underscores the importance of effort and commitment in our spiritual journey. Just as hiking and exploring the canyon demand perseverance and courage, so too does delving into the depths of God’s presence require determination and resolve.
For those who dare to venture beyond the rim, the rewards are immense. The depth of God’s presence and holiness leads to a profound realization of our own brokenness and a desire for purification. This transformative encounter compels us to surrender fully to His will and to serve Him with unwavering devotion.
Living beyond the rim means being liberated from the worries and cares of this world. It means embracing a greater purpose and looking forward to eternity with hope and anticipation. Isaiah’s encounter in the temple (Isaiah 6) serves as a powerful illustration of this truth—a moment when he went beyond the rim and experienced the fullness of God’s presence.
To truly live beyond the rim requires a willingness to surrender completely to God’s plan, trusting Him to lead us where He wills. It means being open to His refining work in our lives and embracing the call to advance His kingdom wherever we go.
Let us heed the call to venture beyond the rim of superficiality and into the depths of God’s presence. May we be willing to explore the unknown, trusting that in His presence we will find fulfillment, purpose, and true abundance when we go deep in our walk with Him.
Nate serves as the Executive Director of Canyon Ministries and has been leading trips and tours throughout the Southwest for over 20 years. With over 1,000 days studying and teaching in the Grand Canyon National Park, he loves spending time both on the rim and river, along with field research in geology and Native American archaeology.
In addition to his work in the Grand Canyon, Nate has guided in many National Parks across the western U.S. and led science and biblical archaeology tours to museums and historical sites around the world.