Driving down the 405 freeway in Torrance, California, I noticed a sign: “Louis Zamperini Freeway.” I knew his story from the movie Unbroken—the track star, the Olympian, the prisoner of war. But that sign stirred something deeper in me. It pushed me to look past the headlines and achievements, to the man himself. What I found was not just a story of endurance, but of being broken and renewed in Christ.
Louis Zamperini survived what would have destroyed most men: a plane crash, 47 days adrift at sea, and years of brutality in a Japanese prison camp. Yet, even after making it home, his real prison remained—his rage, his nightmares, his dependence on alcohol. His body survived the war, but his soul was drowning.
Then came the turning point. At a Billy Graham crusade, Louis surrendered his life to Christ. In that moment, his nightmares ceased. His rage dissolved. He even forgave the very men who had beaten him. Reflecting on that night, he said:
“When I turned to God, I realized I was not only saved but I was free.”
I can relate. For years, I fought my own battles with alcoholism and depression. I gripped the rope of life as tightly as I could, only to find my hands raw and scorched from trying to control it all. But when I finally let go—when I stopped holding on to my own strength and gave it to God—the weight of despair lifted. One act of faith changed everything.
Scripture says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Louis’s story, and my own, prove that freedom isn’t found in our fight—it’s found in our surrender. If you don’t choose, if you don’t take that step of faith, life will choose for you, and it will always lead you back into bondage. But when you choose Christ, you are not just saved—you are free.
Reflection
What “ropes” are you still holding on to that are burning your hands?
What would it look like to let go and trust God fully with them?
Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for the signs You place in my life to remind me of Your presence and Your power. Thank You for the story of Louis Zamperini and for the rescue You’ve worked in my own life. Help me to let go of the things that scorch and bind me, and give me the courage to trust You completely. Set me free, as only You can. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
