David Finding a Faith that Works

In his first 37 years of life, David wrestled with addictions, suicidal thoughts, and ungodly music. But after watching the movie Hacksaw Ridge—the story of a World War II hero named Desmond Doss—he was inspired to find a deeper relationship with God. The faith of Doss, a conscientious objector and a Sabbath-keeper, was new to David and led him on a quest that changed his life.

Before he decided to follow Christ, David’s life was pretty “normal” from a worldly point of view. “I went to worldly events, listened to heavy metal music, and had ungodly relationships,” he recalls. “I also struggled with depression and anxiety and often thought about taking my own life, sometimes several times a day.” Speaking with a Christian psychologist didn’t help.

Inspired by the faith of Desmond Doss, David began looking for truth and eventually discovered Amazing Facts. “I was browsing on YouTube one day and looking for religious programs when I first saw Pastor Doug,” he remembers. “I felt like I had finally found a pastor whose messages clicked with me.” What he heard and the way the Bible was presented changed David’s views on how he should live his life.

Since David was a young teen he had struggled with lust and always felt the guilt of viewing impurity, although never enough to stop. “But when I started listening to Pastor Doug, began having daily devotions, and faithfully reading the Word, those thoughts became greatly suppressed.” He finally gave his addiction over to God, asked for forgiveness, and prayed for the power to avoid situations that would lead to bad thoughts.

David’s life has changed. He says, “I’ve stopped watching programs that I used to view and I’ve also quit listening to heavy metal music. My eyes have been completely opened to the evil and sin in the world.” He admits that it hurts to remember the things he used to do, especially the pain he brought to God when he shunned Him.

Today, David is on a path to better care for his physical health. He is also committed to staying in the Word and helping anyone he encounters as he keeps moving forward on his own Christian journey. David finally found a faith that works.

Reflect: Are there some books, magazines, or movies that God wants you to stop watching? Confess your sin and commit yourself unreservedly to Jesus.