Calm in the ChaosSample

Day 6: Lean into Adversity

During the Vietnam War, Bill Rutledge flew 1,643 combat missions with the highly decorated U.S. Navy HA(L)-3 Seawolves helicopter squadron. As part of a quick reaction force for Navy SEALs and patrol boats in the Mekong Delta, Rutledge and his team pioneered combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations, often performing back-to-back missions in grueling conditions.

Rutledge recalls one harrowing rescue. The Army had already lost ten helicopters during an assault, and his UH-1B Huey hovered over a rice paddy under enemy fire. Rutledge jumped into neck-deep water to reach a downed helicopter. He recovered the body of a fallen soldier and carried it back to the helicopter. While doing so, both he and the victim were struck by enemy AK-47 fire, knocking them into the swamp. Miraculously, Rutledge’s body armor absorbed the bullets, and he was able to lift the soldier into the helicopter before they swiftly took off. Rutledge’s courage and willingness to lean into adversity, risking his life for another, ensured the fallen soldier could return home to his family.

CSAR missions require constant adaptability to chaotic and life-threatening conditions. Every mission is different, demanding both preparation and the ability to overcome the unexpected. This relentless engagement with adversity is a hallmark of resilience and commitment.

Like CSAR operations, life can often throw us into chaotic and unpredictable situations. How we respond in those moments reveals our mindset and shapes our resilience. Choosing to lean into adversity, rather than fleeing from it, allows us to grow stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.

The story of Ruth offers a biblical example of leaning into adversity. Ruth’s life was filled with challenges—she was widowed, faced uncertainty, and chose to leave her homeland to support her mother-in-law, Naomi, in a foreign land. Despite these hardships, Ruth demonstrated unwavering loyalty and faith. Her words to Naomi exemplify her commitment:
"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Ruth embraced uncertainty, working hard to support Naomi and trusting in God’s plan. Her resilience and faith caught the attention of Boaz, a kind and generous landowner, who became her kinsman-redeemer. Their union not only restored stability to Ruth and Naomi’s lives but also placed Ruth in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Ruth’s story reminds us that leaning into adversity with faith, courage, and love can lead to blessings beyond our imagination. Her life demonstrates how God can turn our hardships into opportunities for His purposes and glory when we trust Him and remain steadfast.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can you practice leaning into adversity rather than avoiding it?
2. In what ways has God used difficult circumstances in your life for a greater purpose?