Drake De Long-Farmer10 minute read  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Rom 8:37) Have you ever read these verses and thought “man I wish that was true in my life!” If so, you are not alone. There seems to be a disconnect between what we believe is true and actually seeing that truth become a reality in our lives. There are many factors of why this divide exists but I want to simply touch on one: We need to actually want to change and believe that change is possible! Now bear with me. I know I will only be scratching the surface of this topic in a blog post but if this article gives you but a glimmer of hope that change is possible, then I think that would be something worth celebrating. Maybe you are thinking “Who wouldn’t want to see change and victory in their lives?” But as with most things, it isn’t that simple. My friend Charlotte posted this online and I think it hits the nail on the head:  Change is never an easy thing because change involves killing old things, making sacrifice, healing old wounds, and involves the unknown. Change is hard work, it is scary, it involves facing the people and things that victimized us as well as the demons of our own making. Or maybe for some of you, you have this insatiable desire for change but all the efforts in the world have failed, and you are tired of trying any longer and have lost all hope. No matter the situation you are facing, in the end, it has to be you that wants to change. I suspect you don’t actually wants to live in a state of hopelessness. The questions is: Are you willing to be the change needed to see that breakthrough, no matter what? This is what I call being sick and tired of being sick and tired. For many of us it isn’t when we get to the point of being sick and tired of the hopelessness but it is when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired of the hopelessness that we actually start moving towards living the life of being Addicted To Hope. One of the biggest hurdles in this is actually believing such a change is possible. One of the most basic steps for addicts to move towards freedom and victory is simply believing that change is possible. Please track with me on this. I know this sounds a bit too simple but it is true. While studying the impact of groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, researchers were intrigued by the success rate that such a program had. Many factors played into why. But a hinge step in seeing a start towards movement forward was the idea that if a person could simply believe that change was even possible it could become a sort of domino effect in actually realizing that change. The simple phrase “If Joe can do it, maybe I can” has such a simple power to it that it creates a chain reaction in the person's mind and ability to actually take the risk to try. Add the momentum of things like one’s higher power, easy wins for continued motivation, support networks of meetings and mentors, changing and rewiring of habit loops, and the inner spirit of the personal will and the person who was previously controlled by their addiction has the some of the beginning building blocks to finding a new found freedom and power to see real change and success in their life. But it all started with the anchoring truth that change is possible and believing that something new and different could be accomplished. This is reality of faith being hope in the things unseen. To be clear, I am not saying it will be easy, it takes hard work but all the hard work in the world will fail if you have already resolved in your mind that it will fail. But if we are able to cling to the desperate idea that change could be possible, it could be just enough to spark the small flame needed to get the fire started in your mind, soul, and spirit. Take a second to pray and ask God to help you see this. And better yet, have him reveal to you the things that may be blocking you from believing that change could be possible. Don’t rush this, it could be the difference between seeing the change you so desperate want and continuing to be stuck in the cycle of hopelessness you so desperately want to be free of. If you are unsure of where to start, I would recommend picking up the book Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer. It is not only chock full of truth and principles to help in this journey but real practical steps in actually getting there. I can’t recommend this book enough!  Drake is the Founder of boldcupofcoffee.com and serves as Executive Pastor at gateway.ac as well as being an avid speaker, writer and leadership coach/consultant.
Drake is passionate about seeing people thrive and come alive. To BELONG, wrestle with what they BELIEVE and BECOME people FULL OF LOVE, FUELLED BY FAITH, and ADDICTED TO HOPE. Drake is also a life learner and loves being challenged to think deeper and grow further. One of his favorite things to do is spend a good amount of time in a good café or coffee shop with a good book or engaging conversation. To be able to share in someone else's journey and experience is always a pleasure and honor. You can also connect with him at your personal page at drakedelongfarmer.com. To read more articles by Drake, simply click here.
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