Plan For The Impossible

I ran across the street to cut Magnolia leaves off the branches of three trees in front of our home, and piled them in grocery shopping bags. I hurried back across the street hoping the neighbors did not notice, or if they did, that they did not care. So funny, who does this at age of 43? Someone who decides to plan for the impossible, and make her own magnolia wreath when she doesn’t want to pay the price to buy one. Silly, I know.

My list was complete. Leaves from the Magnolia trees from across the street. Check. I had wire & wire cutters already. Check. I bought the grapevine wreath for $3.88 on sale. Check. Most of the time we have more then we think we do on hand.

Why had I waited so long to make a simple magnolia wreath anyway? I made assumptions and didn’t take into account what I actually had and what I needed. I basically was operating in the poverty mindset which is easy to buy into if we are not careful.

There is value in planning for what you desire. Without a plan or a determination to get there, most likely you won’t. What are you determined to have, do, finish, make, become, or see happen?

• Plan for it now, not later when you think it will be easier. Easier never comes.
• Plan for it now, not later when you think you will have the resources. The resources will come as you prepare first.
• Plan for it now, take note of what you already have. You may be surprised at what you actually possess.

Does God still expect us to plan, hope for, and take steps toward our desires when it seems we are least able? The answer is a resounding yes and I’m right in the middle of learning “that yes” in a more profound way than ever before in this present season.

“Faith is the certainty of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

If we are convinced of something, by faith, then I believe we must begin to move towards it.

Resources do not matter as much, especially if you begin with what you have in this present moment, and chose to not be paralyzed by what you do not have. The rest will come if you plan, prepare and practice for what you want, while it looks impossible.

• Determine what you have within your reach.
• Determine what you need to get and get what you can.
• Know what you can do, with what you have, and start doing it.

The “now factor” gets the ball rolling. In other words, you give it your best human effort and then see what God will do, but don’t wait for perfect circumstances because they will never come.

Give God what you have.

With the miracle of the five loaves of bread and two fish, the young boy gave what he had. “He didn’t let what he didn’t have, keep him from giving what he did have to Jesus. And that is the precursor to many a miracle!” – The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible” class=”rank-math-link”>The Grave Robber, by Mark Batterson

I’m sure you’re wondering what the point is and what does a magnolia wreath have to do with miracles, life, and you. The wreath is something I wanted. A signature magnolia wreath purchased online was $98. My assumption was, even to make my own wreath, that it would probably cost half of that.

My assumption was false. This is insignificant when we’re chatting about a wreath. This becomes of upmost importance when we are talking about situations we don’t have control over.

If you are praying for a miracle God expects you to do what you can, instead of focusing on what you cannot do, or what you do not have. Only then will you begin to see what you didn’t notice before.

In God’s economy, the numbers never seem to add up. So just do what you can and trust him for the rest. Eventually, the little hand on the clock will move ever so slightly to the invisible “just in time” Roman numeral, and when God steps on the scene suddenly our efforts will multiply like the 5 loaves of bread and two fish that fed thousands.

He can’t multiple what we are not willing to plan, prepare and practice by faith. Our only assumption should be, God is able!

I’m finishing up making my first magnolia wreath for less than 4% of the original cost. And, I’m writing down what God is pressing deep into my heart during this season of transition so I can plan for the impossible. There are things that are within my reach, and yours too. Let’s prepare before we see the impossible come to pass, knowing God is able!

With much love and grace,

Joelle Povolni

P.S. If your struggling with being convinced Romans 4:16-25 has encouraged me or check out the blog post, Be Convinced.