Imitate his faith

If you find David’s story as inspiring and encouraging as I have, then my hope and dream for this book will have been fulfilled.

David Cummings is a modern giant of the faith. Scripture urges us to “imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). We are not simply invited to admire such lives from a distance—we are called to follow their example of trusting God.

We may never be gifted leaders, eloquent speakers, or possess the particular strengths that marked David’s journey. Don’t let that stop you. We are not called to become David. God does not ask us to copy another person’s personality, gifts, or path. He calls us to faith—the same living trust that enabled David to face the giants in his life and watch the Lord overcome them.

In understanding the life of someone who lived surrendered to God, who refused to take “no” for an answer, and who left an incredible impact, we discover something freeing. We are not called to be David. But through his example we can more fully and effectively become who God has made us to be. We are called to walk in the good works God prepared beforehand, and through David’s story we can more fully live as the overcomers God intends. Scripture promises, “To the one who overcomes, I will give the crown of life,” and we long to hear those words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

These pages are full of spiritual gems and real-life practicalities—relational tensions, board problems and splits, unbelieving colleagues, personal mental barriers, and the quiet, persistent testimony of pursuing God through tremendous difficulty. We look around and find a thousand examples of how not to live. It is a rare and precious thing to find someone whose life you actually want to pattern after. David was not perfect. As you read, you will see just how human he was—and that is exactly what makes him so relatable. A flawless example would be formidable and distant. It is his imperfections, and the imperfections of those around him, that give us a real-world, modern picture of faith: lived faith, lasting faith, faith that makes a difference—because it is placed in a God who lasts and who makes a difference.

It is my prayer, desire, and aim that as you read this book you will be encouraged and inspired. That you will understand more clearly where we have come from, and so, in David’s own words, “understand where you’re going.” That through his example of facing challenges, standing in the face of insurmountable adversity, and pressing forward in vision, you too will be equipped to look at your own giants through a new lens. That you will see God do the impossible. That you will step forward with fresh faith, use your life fully for Him in a way that counts, and—with God—overcome the giants that stand before you.

Imitate his faith. Follow the pattern that says, in essence, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” And may you discover that the God who proved faithful in David’s battles is the same God who still overcomes giants today—for those who walk by faith.