Optimistic Journey » Faith

Press Through in Faith

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:06:06 +0000

“She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe.” – Mark 5:27

There was a woman in the Bible who had an issue of blood. The scripture says she suffered for many years under the hand of physicians. She spent all her money, and she still didn’t get any better. In fact, she got worse.

One day she heard Jesus was passing through the crowd and she came up behind him. She touched his garment. She knew that in doing so, she would be made whole. The scripture goes on to say, that when she touched his robe, she felt her body being immediately healed of her affliction.

This woman understood a principle. She understood that Jesus responds when we press through in faith. Here’s the thing, she was just one person in the crowd who was pressing Jesus. I’d imagine her complaint was, “I’m in the midst of all these people.” “I’ll never get a chance.” “What are the chances that I could be one of the ones to press through and be made whole.” But she defied all odds and pressed through in faith.

After twelve long years suffering this affliction, I’d imagine she was without hope. She spent her last dime. She was probably ready to throw in the towel. But she pressed.

Just like this woman, our gracious Father responds when we press Him in times of trouble. Maybe there’s an area in your life that needs to be made whole. Maybe you’ve struggled, toiled and suffered, yet still to no avail. Like this woman, maybe you’ve ran out of options. You’ve done all you can, no one has the answers. No magic pill will suffice. No counselor can give you the help you need. Let me encourage you today, there is a better way. You can still press through.

Notice the scripture didn’t say Jesus came to her. Notice it didn’t say, she was hoping Christ would notice her and come. No, she was bold and courageous. She had a tremendous faith. She pressed through the crowd and was made whole.

When it seems life doesn’t have the answers, press through. When you’ve ran out of options, press through. When it seems there’s no hope, press through.

Jesus responds when we’re bold and courageous. He has a heart for those who are determined, and faithful to press through the crowds of life. Make a choice to press Jesus through the difficult times. When you do so, our Father will respond to your faith. In effect, you’ll experience wholeness in every area of your life!

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August 9, 2011 -- Pray Bolder Prayers (0)
December 23, 2011 -- Have Yourself a Very Fearless Christmas! (0)
November 21, 2011 -- Attitude of Gratitude! (2)
November 3, 2011 -- All You Need is a Mustard Seed Faith! (1)
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Have A Right Now Faith!

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:43:29 +0000

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17

Our God is moved when we take leaps of faith. All it takes is mustard seed faith and we can move mountains.

But too often, we find ourselves looking for the end result in the beginning. Day after day we’re making the wrong declarations. Declarations such as: “I’ll give more to charity once my finances get in order.” “I’ll wash my car, when God provides me with a brand new one.” “I’ll lose weight and get in shape once the vacation to the beach is booked.”

But you need to know that the Lord is looking for you to have a right now faith. That means you have to put your faith out there regardless of the conditions around you.

Remember, without faith it’s impossible to please the Lord. One of the reasons you’re not getting your breakthrough is because you’re not exercising your faith. In order for you to come into your season of abundance and increase, you must sow some seeds of faith.

The good news is all you need is a mustard seed faith. The scripture says if you have a mustard seed faith you can move mountains.

Here’s the thing. If you’ll first clean out your car then the Lord will bless you with a new one. As soon as you fix up your house, the Lord will bless you with a new home. If you’ll be faithful and sow a seed to someone in need, the Lord will bless you with financial increase.

Remember, if you’ll be faithful over the few things, God will make you ruler over many things.

Release your faith today. God is looking for you to have a right now faith. Not a tomorrow faith. Not a next year faith, but a right now faith. The Lord won’t move until you move.

Here’s the good news. Your final chapter ends in increase, promotion, and blessings. But first you have to break down the walls of doubt and unbelief. Display a right now faith today. When you do so, the Lord will bring you into your season of victory as you charge forth on your journey!

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January 25, 2012 -- Stuck in a Rut? How to Get Out (0)
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Plant Good Seeds!

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:35:00 +0000

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” – Galatians 6:7

Every decision you make, is a seed you’re planting in the ground. You’re either planting good seeds or bad seeds. Even the thoughts that you choose to entertain, are seeds that you’re sowing.

When you wake up in the morning with a heart full of gratitude and thanksgiving, you’re planting a good seed for the entire day. You’re showing the almighty God that despite of the way things seems, you’re grateful for the few things. When you’re grateful for the little things, God will inturn reward you and make you ruler over many things.

When you choose to entertain thoughts that are virtuous, honorable and of a good report, you’re planting a seed for peace, wholeness and joy. On the contrary, when you choose to meditate on things that are depressing, downcast and solemn, you’re planting dark seeds. You’re putting seeds of doom and gloom into the ground.

Remember, whatever you sow is what you’ll reap. If you’re putting seeds of faith into the ground, you’ll reap a harvest of manifestation. If you plant seeds of love into the ground, you’ll reap a harvest of love in return. If you sow seeds of mercy and forgiveness, you’ll reap more of the same.

Too often, we’re planting seeds that aren’t nourishing us… seeds of worry, fear and doubt. But we’re expecting a harvest of prosperity and abundance. And when we don’t reap the harvest we expect, we end up throwing in the towel.

But God wants you to experience a life full of joy and abundance. But in order to do so, you must remain faithful and plant good seeds.

If you’re looking for hope, put your hope in the LORD and He’ll renew your strength. Wake up in the morning with expectation, and declare hope and God’s anointed favor over your life. If you’re looking for joy, make a positive declaration. Say early in the morning that the joy of the LORD is your strength!

If you’re looking for peace, don’t give in to worry and anxiety. Instead, through prayer, thanksgiving and petitions, make your requests known unto the LORD. When you do so, God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will come to guard your heart and mind.

If you’re looking for direction, seek the LORD. Remember, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him. Choose to acknowledge God in all your ways and He’ll direct your path.

If you’ll plant good seeds ahead of time, the LORD will be merciful to deliver you into your season of harvest in due time. You will then experience more of the abundant life that God has for you, as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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October 24, 2011 -- Harvest Where You Didn’t Plant (0)
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Have Yourself a Very Fearless Christmas!

Jarrod Clark — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:22:04 +0000

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. – Luke 2:10

The Bible is full of “fear nots.” God made it clear in His word that He wants us to live an abundant life full of faith, courage, hope and reassurance.

God doesn’t want you to go through your Christmas season with fears, doubts, and negative emotions. No, He wants you to live in comfort and peace this joyous time of year.

In the natural, we all have our doubts and fears. These are unfortunate character traits that we all develop over the course of life. But because of the birth of Christ, the old has passed away. We’ve been made anew. Therefore, we no longer have to live in fear, we can have great joy and peace.

I heard an interesting statistic. The phrase “fear not” has been mentioned in the Bible approximately 366 times in one form or another. What’s interesting, is that it’s one for each day of the year, and an extra one for the leap year.

You see, the enemy’s number one strategy is to instill fear into your heart. When you operate in fear, you give power to Satan. But when you operate in faith, you give power to the most High God.

Take comfort in knowing that God and His mighty angels are watching over you day and night. God has your best interests at heart.

As we approach the day where we celebrate the birth of Christ, put all fears behind. Instead, operate in faith. When you do so, God will give you a sense of security, blessed assurance, comfort, joy and peace, as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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Part of the Struggle

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:30:33 +0000

The hardest part about making great achievements is taking the first step. When you wake up in the morning, the hardest thing to do is set foot out of bed. Once you’re up and out of the bed, you’re halfway along the journey to starting your day.

In the same way, faith is all about taking the first step. Once you put your faith into action, God goes to work on your behalf in many ways.

.The hardest struggle is taking that first step. But if you’ll put in the effort and take one step, God will take two.

They say the hardest part about exercise is going to the gym. Once you’re there, you have everything at your disposal. You have access to all the equipment and access to the right people. But as long as you’re sitting at home on the couch, you’ll remain in the same place physically. You’ll be one step away from reaching your goal and your full potential.

I dare you to exercise your faith today. What are those lost dreams that you’ve failed to take that one step? What area of your life are you lacking in that one step is all that’s required?

If you’ll take a leap of faith, God will go to work behind the scenes and perform miraculous miracles! He’ll show you those hidden abilities, talents, and gifts which you did not know. Put your faith into action today and watch great things happen as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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You Must Believe!

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:58:40 +0000

Anything is possible if a person believes. – Mark 9:23

God’s Word is full of life giving declarations. Throughout His Word, He is constantly confirming who we are in Him. He affirms our potential, abilities, and our outcome. But God’s Word only has an effect if we believe.

If you’re going to come into your full potential in Christ, you have to believe that you’re more than a conquer. Believe that you’re well able. Know that you’re equipped to do the impossible.

You see, we all have mountains in life. We all encounter obstacles, conflicts and set backs. The only way to move mountains is to believe that you’ve been empowered by the almighty God to conquer them.

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God’s Word says if you have faith, the size of a grain of mustard seed, you can move mountains. Notice it didn’t say big faith. It didn’t say experienced faith. No, it said a mustard seed faith.

God has given you the key to unlock mighty doors. But you have to put the keys to use. Doors don’t just open when you have possession of the key. No, you have to put the key in the lock and turn.

In the same way, believing is like turning the keys. A friend can speak all sorts of life giving and faith filled words into your life. But if you don’t believe, then those words have no merit. Another person can acknowledge all your talents, gifts and abilities, but if you don’t see your own potential, you won’t progress to the next level.

My friend, God has given you the goods. There are hidden treasures buried deep within you that you have yet to discover. You are equipped with everything you need to achieve the impossible. When you release your faith supernatural doors will begin to open. You’ll start to see increase and provision. When you believe, all limitations will be removed.

Matthew 9:29b says, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” I’m asking you the question, where is your faith? Do you believe? What are you standing on?

All you have to do is take a small leap of faith. Know that through God, all things are possible if you believe. Make a choice to stay in faith and watch God’s unmerited favor consume you as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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That Wasn’t So Bad!

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:29 +0000

One of the greatest tricks of the enemy is to bring about fear, doubt and confusion. But the scripture says that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

Unfortunately, too many have lost hopes and dreams because of fear and doubt. With a wrong mindset, we can all lose the passions that we once had.

But you can change that mindset. Be bold- be courageous, take a step out on faith and combat those fearful thoughts.

Remember, the opposite of fear is faith. When you conquer your fears, you get the privilege of looking back and saying, “that wasn’t so bad.”

.Think about all past accomplishments, triumphs, and victories. One of the first things you thought after overcoming them was, ‘that wasn’t so bad.’ You get a sigh of relief after taking a plunge and conquering your fears.

One of the number one fears, is the fear of heights. If you’ve had a fear of heights, and finally get on a plane, you get the joy of a ‘that wasn’t so bad’ thought. If you’ve been told all your life that you don’t have the talents and you finally take a leap of faith and put your abilities to the test, you get the pleasure of a ‘that wasn’t so bad’ thought.

Maybe you want to run a triathlon, but you’re afraid you won’t see the end. If you’ll put your faith to use, you’ll come face to face with the finish line. You’ll then get the enjoyment of a ‘that wasn’t so bad’ thought.

My friend, with God on your side you can accomplish anything. Fear feeds opposition but faith grants you the position. In other words, when you give into fear, you’re allowing the resistance of the enemy to take control over you. But when you take a step out on faith, God puts you in the position to conquer anything.

Romans 8:37 says, “yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him (God) who loved us.” God has equipped you with all the skills and abilities you need to conquer everything. Fight off fear and take a step out on faith. Then in victory, you’ll get the privilege of looking back and having a ‘that wasn’t so bad’ thought as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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All You Need is a Mustard Seed Faith!

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:20:27 +0000

One of the greatest things about our God is that He doesn’t require a huge sacrifice. All He requires is a mustard seed faith.

You see, in the natural, the bigger the desire the bigger the cost. In other words, a million dollar house requires a million dollar seed. In the world’s way of doing things, you have to break an arm and a leg only to get a thing called “luck”.

Some people spend countless dollars on lottery tickets. Others spend their last dime wasting away at the casinos, only to hope they get lucky.

But God’s way of doing things is not by luck, it’s much more intentional. All He requires is that you take a step out on faith. With faith, you can get the million dollar house even if you don’t have the million dollar seed.

Your ability to be bold and courageous, will go a long way. With God’s system, it’s not about your salary or how many years you’ve put in college. It’s not about who you know, where you’ve come from, or where you’ve been. No, with God it’s about your ability to believe that He can do the impossible.

When you have faith going for you, you have the favor of God working for you. In other words, it’s not your credentials, but your ability to walk in faith that gives you the favor of God.

I found out that a mustard seed is the smallest seed that you can plant. But it can grow to be the largest among garden plants. It even grows into a tree.

Jesus says in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

My friends, with God on your side, you can achieve anything. Faith is one of your greatest tools to achieve the impossible. It’s not about how much money you have, or the sports car in your drive way. It’s not about your connections or credentials. No, it’s about your ability believe in the most High God.

Remember, with man it’s impossible, but with God all things are possible! And God has given you that same power, if only you’ll believe. If you’ll take a step out on faith, God will reward you in more ways than you can imagine as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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November 30, 2011 -- You Must Believe! (2)
January 23, 2012 -- Press Through in Faith (0)
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Don’t Let Go of Your Blessing!

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:57:27 +0000

Do you know that your blessing is already laid up in store for you? Many times, I believe God will put us through the test to determine if we’re ready to receive the promises He has in store for us.

The problem comes into play when we give up too soon on the blessing. Many times while waiting, we grow weary, impatient, we complain, we get bitter and we give up on the blessing. Instead of growing weary and letting the enemy steal what God has in store for you, make a decision to put up the good fight of faith.

Even in those times when it seems like nothing is giving, or it seems God has forgotten about His promise, know that in due time you’ll reap a harvest of blessing if you don’t give up.

There will be times when you have to put up a fight. The enemy will come at you in every way he can and cause you to throw in the towel. But don’t let go of your blessing.

I’m reminded of the story of Jacob and how he wrestled with God. The bible reports that Jacob wrestled with a man all night long until the break of dawn. When the man saw that he couldn’t win, he wrenched Jacob’s hip out of socket. The man said, “let me go, for daybreak has come.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Then this man, whom the bible likens to God, blessed Jacob. He said, “your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

My friends, just like Jacob, we need to hang on to God even in the dark hours of life. Our declaration should be just like Jacob’s declaration- “Lord, I won’t let you go until you bless me.”

Instead, of giving up and throwing in the towel, make a decision to wrestle with your situation. But be encouraged my friends, the break of dawn is just around the corner, and with it comes your blessing. If you’ll keep fighting the good fight of faith, God will shower down abundant blessings on you as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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Believing is Seeing

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:17:03 +0000

We live in a world that has coined a saying, “seeing is believing.” In the natural, I can totally understand where this stems from.

For most people, confidence comes with seeing results. We’re naturally wired to believe what we’ve seen. If someone walks up to you and says,” I’ve seen a UFO,” you’ll more than likely believe it only if you see it. If someone says, “I just saw an elephant flying and it wasn’t in a movie,” you’ll more than likely point and laugh.

Well I’ve got some news, friends. God is moved, not when you operate on what you see, but when you trust in what you don’t see. In the supernatural, you have everything you need. And even though these are extreme examples, know that God has unbelievable miraculous promises in store for you.

Hebrew 11:1 tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” And 2 Corinthians 5:7 confirms that “we walk by faith and not by sight.”

If you’ll learn to walk in faith, God will cause you to see your hopes come to pass. He will cause your dreams to be fulfilled. He’ll grant you the desires of your heart.

It may sound funny but I always say believing is seeing. In other words, when you believe God ahead of time for the things you can’t see, He will manifest them in your life.

That goal that you’ve wanted to accomplish, believe the end result is already here. That addictive habit that you’ve wanted to put behind you, have faith that you can overcome it. That blessing that you’ve been praying for and you just can’t see it coming, remain faithful- God is working to bring it to pass for you.

Remember, we serve a God who is in the blessing business. He can make a way out of a no-way. If you’ll practice walking by faith and not by sight, God will bring unbelievable miraculous blessings your way as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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