This elk somehow managed to get a tire stuck around his neck a long time ago. Apparently, he carried it around for years and eventually accepted it as a way of life. After countless failed attempts to capture him, he was finally tranquilized so that the tire could be removed. First, they tried to cut the tire off…but that didn’t work. So they were forced to trim his antlers to make room for the tire to break free. Can you imagine how much lighter this poor guy felt after the burden of the tire had been lifted?

This reminds me of how it is with us. Sometimes we carry a heavy burden around all by ourselves for much longer than we need to and we avoid every attempt to help us just like this elk did. For the elk, fear kept him from finding freedom – for us it’s pride. But eventually, God will break us down with His own Spiritual tranquilizer, and if the burdens don’t slide right off in the presence of a Mighty God, He’ll do some trimming on us to make a way too.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30