Canyon Ministries
[Originally published as A Voice in the Wilderness]
The wilderness is a place of paradox.
It is vast and untamed, yet it draws us into intimacy with God. It’s a place where distractions fade, and we are confronted with the rawness of creation and the depth of our own need for Him. Both Elijah and John the Baptist found themselves in the wilderness, and both were used by God to proclaim His truth in powerful ways.
As guides, we share a unique connection with these two figures. Like Elijah, we stand in awe of God’s majesty, witnessing His power and presence in the grandeur of creation. Like John the Baptist, we are called to be a voice in the wilderness, pointing others to Christ and preparing the way for them to encounter Him.
Elijah, weary and discouraged after standing boldly for God, retreated to the wilderness in 1 Kings 19. He had just witnessed a dramatic display of God’s power on Mount Carmel, yet he felt alone and overwhelmed. But in the quiet of a cave, Elijah experienced something profound — God did not reveal Himself in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper.
This moment reminds us that God often speaks in ways we don’t expect.
As guides, we may be tempted to rely on the “big moments” — the breathtaking views, the dramatic stories, or the scientific evidence we share. But it’s often in the quiet conversations, the moments of stillness, or the simple truths we speak that God’s voice is most clearly heard.
John the Baptist, on the other hand, lived a life of simplicity and boldness. He was a voice crying out in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for Jesus. His message was clear:
Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
John’s role was not to draw attention to himself, but to point others to Christ. As guides, we are called to do the same. The wilderness of the Grand Canyon is awe-inspiring, but it is not the destination — it is the backdrop for the greater story of God’s glory, power, and grace. Every tour, every story, every interaction is an opportunity to echo John’s words and point people to Jesus.
In the wilderness of the Grand Canyon, we find our mission: to be voices calling out, preparing the way for people to encounter the truth of God. May we embrace this calling with faithfulness, knowing that every conversation, every moment of guiding, and every shared truth is part of God’s greater plan.
