Calm in the ChaosSample

Day 3: Fight, Flight, Freeze

In 1986, during a moonless night over the Gulf of Mexico, Aviation Rescue Swimmer Bill Gibson and his aircrew launched in an SH-3D Sea King helicopter from the USS Lexington after receiving a distress call. Gibson, alongside fellow rescue swimmer Rick Williamson, was lowered into the dark, high seas to assist four survivors in a life raft. One by one, they helped the survivors enter the water and towed them to be hoisted 40 feet into the hovering helicopter.

During the final rescue, Gibson noticed the helicopter moving away. Glancing to his left, he saw a massive 400-foot cargo vessel bearing down on him and the survivor. Without hesitation, he began flutter-kicking with all his strength, determined to avoid being sucked under and crushed. Battling the turbulent wake along the ship’s side, they nearly reached safety when the unimaginable happened—they were pulled under the ship’s aft, heading toward its towering, spinning propellers.

In that critical moment, Gibson didn’t stop. He held his victim tight and kept kicking, refusing to let fear or exhaustion win. Miraculously, both he and the survivor were carried under the propellers and surfaced on the other side, alive and unharmed. Gibson’s unwavering determination and selflessness saved them both.

This incredible story highlights Gibson’s choice to fight rather than freeze, prioritizing the life of another over his own. Rescue swimmer training emphasizes quick, decisive action under pressure. Hesitation or freezing can endanger lives, making composure and resolve essential.

The story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 provides a spiritual parallel, illustrating how we can transcend the natural fight, flight, or freeze responses by trusting in God. When King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming coalition of enemy forces, fear was a natural response (2 Chronicles 20:3). Yet, instead of panicking or fleeing, he turned to God, proclaiming a nationwide fast and gathering the people to seek divine guidance.

Jehoshaphat’s prayer (verses 5-12) reveals his humility and faith: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (verse 12). He acknowledged God’s sovereignty and past faithfulness, choosing trust over fear. In response, God reassured the people through the prophet Jahaziel: “Do not be afraid or discouraged… For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (verse 15). Obeying God’s instruction, they marched to the battlefield, not to fight but to worship. As they sang praises, God caused their enemies to turn on each other, granting Judah victory without a single weapon being raised.

Both Gibson’s heroic actions and Jehoshaphat’s faithful response remind us that in moments of fear and overwhelming odds, we have a choice. We can rely on our instincts, or we can turn to God, trusting Him to guide and deliver us. The story of Jehoshaphat encourages believers to replace panic with prayer and fear with worship, trusting that God fights our battles.

Discussion Questions:

1. In moments of fear or pressure, do you find yourself reacting instinctively, or do you pause to seek God’s guidance?
2. How can worship and prayer help you overcome overwhelming situations in your life?