An agent of Christ

Fear. That word conjures up many memories. Who remembers when they saw their first scary movie as a kid? My father tells the story that when he first saw “Jaws” years ago that he was scared of even a mud puddle! We still tease him about it to this day. How about a haunted house? Driving through LA traffic? A first date? Your wedding? The list can go on. Fear is an emotion that can control our whole being.

There are times that I have been worried — but fearful? That has occurred only a handful of times. One of my scariest experiences involved my wife and our newborn daughter, who both had significant complications during the birthing process. Everyone has recovered, but the thought of being a single father with young children scared me more than I can express. That was fear.

Another moment of real fear occurred during a deployment when our base was attacked by ballistic missiles that destroyed my clinic. As I searched the remains of the building for a bracelet my wife had given me with the inscription of our children and grandchildren, I found a piece of shrapnel that must have been white-hot as it burst through the wall, burned a hole through my chair and imbedded itself into some blankets. I realized that due to some gutsy leadership by my immediate commander, I was spared. But the realization that I might not have been able to return to my family struck fear to my heart and soul.

Have you ever been caught in the cycle of “what if’s”? What if we had not gotten the right intel, and the missiles came earlier? What if we had my daughter at a hospital that did not have an extra OB/GYN doctor on call? What if? What if? It can drive a person mad as their mind runs through hundreds of scenarios and options for a particular situation. I wish I had an easy answer to break the cycle of “what if’s” that a mind can ponder at the same time.

There is a scripture that can provide comfort when you worry. In “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (KJV Isaiah 41:10).

When I read that, I know that the Lord has my back. When I look back on difficult or lonely days, I recognize his hand in my life. The Savior himself has not personally come down and helped me through difficult times, but often one of his agents is sent to help. I believe the Lord works through others. He is in that timely note from a friend, the drop by visit, the text or phone call from a friend. Does He inspire you to perform acts of selfless service?

As we perform Christlike service, we draw closer to Him and have His spirit with us. I hope that we can take time this next week to act as an agent of Christ. I pray that we can help meet someone’s needs and drive out the feelings of uncertainty and fear that seem so prevalent at this time.

Dr. John Boston is a father, husband, grandfather, local physician, member of the Mat-Su Board of Trustees and Colonel in the Alaska Air National Guard. He believes in Christ and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.