In 2003, Aron Ralston, an experienced mountain climber, found himself trapped in Blue John Canyon, Utah, when an 800-pound boulder fell and pinned his right arm against the canyon wall. He was alone, with limited supplies, and faced the grim reality of possibly dying in the canyon. For five days, Ralston struggled while trying various methods to break free, but nothing was working. With his water supply running short, he had to make an unimaginable decision. To survive, he would have to amputate his own arm. With a multi-tool knife, he cut through his arm to free himself from the boulder. Despite the immense pain, this sacrifice was his only way to escape, climb out of the canyon, and eventually find help.

We often get stuck beneath things that have us trapped spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. These weights hold us back from living in the freedom that God intended for us to have. Just as Ralston had to make the painful decision to sever his arm to save his life, we too must make difficult choices to let go of things that hinder our freedom, peace, joy, and relationship with God.