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Over the past couple of months, I have been going through a transition. This transition has been more than circumstantial, it has been spiritual, as well. I have had to let go of what I want and examine what I need. I have had to consider where I really am in relation to God. I have had to let go of me and cling to Christ as never before.

Advent is about preparation for reconciliation. I realize that I have been like the children of Israel wondering in the wilderness. I have an understanding of the darkness that over shadowed them and why they called out for a deliverer.

God promised a deliverer. The expectation was that a great king would come from the line of King David that would vanquish the Roman oppressors. The expectation was for an earthly kingdom that would rival Solomon’s. The promise was much different.

Often we get caught up in the expectations in life. We pin such high hopes on earthly things. There is nothing wrong with that, but what if we need to step back and allow the promise to be fulfilled instead?

I know that has been true for my life. God promised not to leave me or forsake me. He has always been there, even when I did not necessarily want him in my life. God also promised to work all things to the good of those that love him. He certainly has been doing that in my life. You see, only God can see the really big picture. Only he can see into the human heart and soul. He knows when we are hurting. He knows when we have carried all the burden we can. He knows when we have had all the joy drained from our spirits. He knows.

We have grand expectations. Often times we allow our expectations to over shadow the simple, beautiful things in life. We allow the expectation to over shadow the simplicity of the promise. (The Pharisees did that and missed the coming of the Messiah they spent their entire lives studying and preparing for!)

Do not miss the promise. The promise is the “real good stuff”. Remember that God loves you. If you will let him guide you, he will. He will never leave you or forsake and he will work things out the way they need to be. It may be different than you expected, but there will be peace and eventually joy in it.

Maybe you have tried before, press on. Press on and examine if you really stepped out of God’s way or not. Remember this: Jesus, I trust in you. Say it when the expectation isn’t being met and when all seems overwhelming. Say it over and over. Let it sink into your very bones.

Trust and allow yourself to live a life of Grace Out Loud!