Canyon Ministries

Lessons from the Wind

The Spirit of God isn’t something we can see or predict.  Like the wind, He doesn’t always move in ways we understand.

I was walking along canyon’s Trail of Time one spring afternoon, the kind of day where the Grand Canyon wind seems alive.  Gusts whipped around me, threatening the security of my hat and sending clouds racing across the sky.  I could hear the whisking sound of the wind through the pinons, as their shed needles danced through the air and then disappeared into the depths of the canyon below.  For a while, I fought against the gale, bracing myself and trudging forward.  But then, I stopped and let it hold me for a moment, leaning into the force, feeling its strength.

That’s when I thought of something profound.  The wind was invisible, but its effects were everywhere—trees swayed, grasses rippled, and ravens quickly adjusted their flight paths, seeming at play with the challenge.  It struck me how similar this is to the way God’s Spirit sometimes moves in our lives.

It reminded me of what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:8:

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

The Spirit of God isn’t something we can see or predict.  Like the wind, He doesn’t always move in ways we understand.  Sometimes, it feels like a gentle breeze, bringing comfort and peace.  Other times, it’s a gale that uproots our plans, pushing us into uncharted territory.  But the Spirit always moves with purpose.

I was reminded of this later down the path when I came across a lone juniper tree clinging to the limestone ledge.  It had clearly been shaped by years of relentless wind—its entire trunk bent and twisted, yet strong and deeply rooted.

What seemed harsh I’m sure at times had, in fact, helped it become stronger and thrive.  Any attempt by the wind at blowing the tree over had only driven the roots deeper and wider, likely corkscrewing themselves into a more secure anchor.

In our own lives, God’s Spirit sometimes works through the winds of hardship, shaping and refining us in ways we don’t immediately recognize.  As Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

How God causes those things to work out for good is up to Him.  Our only right-placed response is to trust and obey—in both serenity and the storm.

Reflection:

– What “winds” are blowing in your life right now?  Are they gentle breezes or strong gales?

– How might the Spirit be using these moments to shape your character or give strength to your foundation?

Prayer:

“Lord, Your Spirit moves in ways I don’t always understand.  Help me to trust You in the calm and in the storm, knowing that You are shaping me for Your purpose.  Teach me to lean into Your presence and follow where You lead.  Amen.”