God is working providentially to bring about His plan of redemption, and we have seen that whether we realize it or not, we are a part of His accomplishing that plan. As we approach the new year, ask yourself how is that plan working out in your life. Some things we do, simply because it is our responsibility. For example, in Luke 2 Joseph went to Bethlehem, because the governing body made it a requirement, yet according to Micah 5:2 that was the plan of God. Some things we do because we are able. We need to remember that God does not ask us to do anything that we are not capable of doing. If God wants us to do something, He also gives us the ability to accomplish what He places before us. The Bible is full of examples of God working in unique ways to accomplish His tasks, through the lives of those who are able. For example, in 1 Samuel 17, God used a young man to kill a giant, when no one thought it could happen. Sometimes, God places us in situations where we can only do what we have to do. These times usually require that we are walking in fellowship with God prior to the circumstances that necessitate a decision. These may be decisions and actions that we wish we did not have to make, yet they are the plan of God for our lives. For example, in Psalm 23:4 we are reminded by the Psalm writer, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff comfort’s me.” God directs us to go on some paths that we would not choose for ourselves, but it is a part of His larger plan. As a follower of Jesus Christ God will place within us the desires to do the things that will pleas Him. Psalm 37:4 says “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Joseph had a desire to marry Mary, imagine his relief and joy when he found out that Mary had not been unfaithful to him, and was in fact blessed of the Lord! As we prepare for the upcoming new year we need to remember that each of us is a work in progress, because God is preparing us for a role in the Kingdom of God. We must each recognize that we are required to humbly and joyfully fulfill the role that He has for us in that kingdom. In order to do that we must have the willingness to simply do the things that God has set before us.