In this episode of the Resilient Fire Podcast, I unpack a true and unusual story from Colorado involving a bull elk that carried a tire around its neck for more than two years. What begins as a strange wildlife story becomes a powerful illustration of the spiritual, emotional, and relational burdens many of us carry far longer than God ever intended.

Through Scripture, personal reflection, and vivid imagery, this episode explores how burdens grow with us, how survival is not the same as freedom, and how true healing often requires surrender. Ultimately, this is a Gospel-centered reminder that freedom is not something we earn or fix ourselves — it’s something Christ provides when we allow Him to step in.

🎯 Key Themes & Takeaways

• Burdens Grow If Left Untouched
  Like the elk, many of us carry weights that increase over time — sin, shame, trauma, pride, or fear.
• Looking Strong Doesn’t Mean Being Free
  You can function, succeed, and appear solid while still suffocating spiritually.
• Normalization Is Not Healing
  Adapting to pain is not the same as being restored.
• Freedom Often Costs Something
  Just as the elk lost its antlers to lose the tire, God may remove things we value to save us from what’s destroying us.
• We Are Designed for Dependence
  Freedom comes through Christ, community, confession, discipleship, and accountability.
• The Gospel Is the Ultimate Rescue
  We don’t free ourselves — Christ intervenes, removes the burden, and restores our identity and purpose.

📖 Scripture References

• Hebrews 12:1
• Psalm 55:22
• Matthew 11:28
• Matthew 5:30
• Galatians 6:2
• John 8:36
• 2 Corinthians 5:17, 20

🛠️ Practical Reflection Questions

1. What “tire” are you carrying right now?
   What burden, sin, habit, wound, or fear have you learned to live with instead of surrendering?
2. Whose burden can you help remove?
   Who in your life might need someone to notice, step in, pray, confess, and fight alongside them?

🎥 Recommended Resource

• “God’s Chisel” – A powerful short video illustration about God’s refining work in our lives
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QCkBL2DfVg

🤝 Connect & Share

If this episode encouraged you or stirred something in your heart, Dave would love to hear from you.

• 📧 Email: resilientfireministry@gmail.com
• 📘 Facebook: Resilient Fire Ministry
• 📸 Instagram: @resilient_fire_dave

If you know someone who might be carrying a hidden burden, consider sharing this episode with them.

🎵 Music

Intro / Outro Music:
Campfire by Scandinavianz | https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US