God's Will or Ours?

S - Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV): "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."

O - The Christmas Story not only reveals how Jesus came to earth but how heaven works with human beings.  Joseph and Mary are caught up in what God has already decided he would do.  They are not the initiators. They are asked to join the Lord in the plans he has; plans that require his direct involvement and activity. God's will always requires God.  The humans don't get it started and hope for God's agreement.  They are invited into what he is doing and asked for theirs.  Joseph does not help God, he cooperates with him.  This is the way of God on earth with earthlings.  

A - It's wonderful to know that God does have a will on earth that includes me and all my fellow citizens of earth.  His will is not something I do for him but with him. He does not require nor want my help.  Like any parent he wants my cooperation.  I am expected to rely on him for assigning me my part and for him doing his.  If I'm engaged in something that does not require his involvement and activity I'm missing my assignment; even if what I'm doing blesses and encourages others. 

P - Lord who is near and who acts on earth,

Thank you for wanting me to join you in what you already have in mind to do.  I want to stop helping you and completely cooperate with you.  Thank you for your desires and plans … and for wanting me to stay near you and cooperate.  I throw open the gates of my heart and say "speak Lord your servant is listening."

All my love,

Steve