One of my all-time favorite novels is the Charles Dickens classic, A Tale of Two Cities. The book is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. Dickens began the book with these words, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…" It is a memorable, oft-quoted line that has stuck with me for decades, perhaps because in those twelve words, Dickens captures an essential truth about life: it is a mixed bag, filled with joy and with trouble.

Given this paradox, the reality that as we live and move and have our being in God, we are faced with difficulties, and at other times we are filled to overflowing with tremendous joy, the natural question is, "How might I stay in that place of joy and avoid all the trouble?" Unfortunately the world is imperfect and therefore, we have to face the good with the bad. That is the nature of life.

Jesus talks of this same paradox in the Gospel of John. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (16:33)." This passage is set in the context of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer where he, knowing of his impending trial and death, is praying for his disciples, that they might persevere, experience his peace and, even more, know the joy of the Lord that is their strength!

You see, in Christ we have continual access to his peace, the peace that passes all understanding, even when we are experiencing a "worst of times" season in our lives. Because his Spirit is present with us, we can often have a "best of times" moment in the midst of trouble. Let me share how this has played out in my own life.

When my mother was dying of brain cancer at age 60, I was a mother with young children who was devastated by the knowledge that my Mom who also happened to be one of my closest friends, was not going to get to see her grandchildren grow up. Not only that, but her grandchildren (and me!) would be deprived of her presence. I simply wasn't ready for that. I cried out to God for a cure, I prayed, I hoped, but in the mystery of God's wisdom, a cure did not come. This was surely a "worst of times" moment for me and for my family.

But, during the course of my mother's illness, we experienced countless best-of-times moments. God's presence overwhelmed me on almost a daily basis. It was a rare day where I did not feel upheld, loved and cared for by my Savior. And in the end, while a cure did not come for my mom, healing did.

You see, over the course of her illness, she confessed to me that she had been an imposter her entire adult life: even though she had claimed to be, she wasn't a Christian and she wasn't even sure if Jesus existed. Through months of prayer and many folks coming to visit her, some whom she didn't know, Mom finally came to peace with God and settled into a knowledge that Jesus is exactly who he says he is…on that day, in the scheme of eternity, it was "the best of times."

Our God doesn't candy-coat what it means to live in this world. After all, He came and experienced all that we do and more. He had best and worst of times days. Because he is alive, because he lives and moves and has his being in us, we can rest in the peaceful, loving arms of the one who has promised and proven that he has overcome all that the world can throw at us! And, quite often, against all odds, we may experience deep joy in the midst of trouble. Our life in Christ is meant to be an overcoming one, a "best of times" sort of existence even when we face obstacles or trouble. It is in Christ that we are strengthened and empowered to "take heart" in the sure and certain hope of our loving Savior!

In Christ Alone,

The Reverend Karen Maurer