Calm in the ChaosSample

Day 7: Humility

On a scorching summer day in 2000, Aviation Rescue Swimmer Marty Crews and his Whidbey SAR aircrew were launched for a perilous mountain rescue. Two Russian climbers had fallen while attempting the unforgiving North Ridge route on Mount Baker. Tragically, one climber perished instantly, while the other suffered critical injuries. Due to the thin mountain air and unpredictable wind patterns at 9,000 feet, the UH-3H Sea King helicopter had to fly lower to hover at a safer 8,000 feet. From there, Crews, along with Schuldt and Crabtree, was hoisted down to begin the arduous ascent.

The rescue team spent eight grueling hours climbing the icy glacier, traversing an impassable crevasse using rigged protection, providing first aid, and carrying the injured climber down in a rescue litter. Crews endured severe dehydration and snow blindness, collapsing from exhaustion after being hoisted back into the helicopter. Yet, his mission didn’t end there; the very next day, he and his aircrew returned to recover the deceased climber.

Humility is foundational to serving others. It demands an empathetic perspective, recognizing the intrinsic worth of every person. Authentic service requires setting aside pride to act with compassion and equality. This mindset fosters self-awareness, allowing us to grow as individuals and better serve those around us.

Moses exemplifies humility throughout his life, making him one of Scripture’s most remarkable leaders. When God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, Moses doubted his own capabilities, saying: "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). This self-doubt wasn’t weakness; it reflected a reliance on God’s strength rather than his own.

Moses continually sought God’s guidance, acknowledging that true leadership depended on God’s presence: "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). Even in the face of criticism and rebellion, Moses interceded for the Israelites, demonstrating both compassion and dependence on God. When the Israelites sinned against God, Moses pleaded on their behalf, saying: "But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written" (Exodus 32:32).

Moses also recognized his own failures, such as when he struck the rock in disobedience (Numbers 20:10-12). His humility wasn’t a sign of frailty, but strength rooted in faith. Through Moses, God shows that humility is a powerful tool for His purposes.

Crews’ sacrifice and Moses’ humility remind us that true strength lies in service and reliance on God. When faced with adversity or the call to serve, may we approach the task with humility, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient to empower us. As Moses’ life reveals, God works mightily through those who walk humbly before Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what practical ways can we cultivate humility in challenging situations?

2. How can you adopt a mindset of sacrificial service in our relationships, workplaces, and communities?

Brian Dickinson served 6 years as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer with 2 deployments to the Persian Gulf during Operation Southern Watch. His book, Calm in the Chaos, details his and other rescue swimmer’s training and experiences with never told stories of heroism. To learn more about the book and for other resources visit http://briandickinson.net