Canyon Ministries

Listen for the Whisper

Every year, between late July and early September, daily monsoons sweep through northern Arizona in a barrage of high winds, torrential downpours, and deep rolling thunder. Although these daily storms can sometimes cause unexpected showers, they provide some of the most extravagant experiences at the Grand Canyon. This is especially true of the sunsets. Last Friday was no exception.

Parking our bus at the last overlook of the tour, both my fellow guide, Nate Loper, and I agreed this was going to be a sunset to remember.  As the sun began its descent into the horizon, a monsoon storm cloud swept across the canyon with an array of wind, rain, and lightning. The combination of sunset and storm made for quite a scene. It was hard to sit there, amidst the rain and wind, and not think of how powerful and mighty God is.

As we hopped in the bus and began our drive back to the Visitor Center, Nate spoke of a passage from 1 Kings bringing up a really good point. The passage takes place right after the Lord demonstrates His power in an altar-consuming fire, defeating the prophets of Baal.  After that Elijah flees from King Ahab and Jezebel in fear for his life and later finds himself in a cave on Mount Horeb for the evening.

The Lord commanded Elijah to “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” The text goes on to say a great wind came across the land, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake that came and shook the ground, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire came across the land, but once again, the Lord was not in that fire. Eventually, there was a subtle whisper, and that is where the Lord revealed Himself.

It’s super easy to be aware of God’s presence when amazing things and outstanding events are happening in your life. Amidst the day-to-day routine, we are quick to forget that is He is actively at work in our lives then too. So, listen for the whisper, God might be saying something.

Monte Albert

Watch the video below to see a time lapse of the storm from that evening as it passed us by…