An unwavering faith tested by war is Justin Bailey's story. As a church-going kid, he had faith as natural as breathing. The hymns resonated in his soul, the Bible stories sparked his imagination, and the sense of community nurtured his spirit. He wavered as he got older, and his faith was tested more and more—but he held onto it when he joined the U.S Army.

Justin loved the structure and discipline of military life, but he always longed for something more. He found Liberty University Online. Balancing military duties with online theology studies wasn't easy, but Justin persevered. As his deployment to Iraq approached, his faith was rekindled, and he prepared for the challenges ahead.

It seemed war might extinguish Justin's faith once again, through violence, loss, and constant fear. The loving God he worshipped felt incongruous with the suffering he witnessed daily. Doubt gnawed at him, whispering accusations of a distant or indifferent God he thought he knew.

Even amid the desolation, Justin found comfort with his battalion chaplain, who supported his wavering faith. Their prayers, hushed under the desert sky, in small rooms on their military FOB (Forward Operating Base)—formed a chorus of defiance against the despair of war. They drew strength from their shared belief that a loving God walked beside them, even in the darkness.

The experiences tested Justin's faith, and reforged it. Faith isn't merely the absence of doubt, but the ability to persevere through it. The war changed him forever, yet his faith emerged stronger, a testament to its enduring power.

Justin's journey didn't end there. We all face challenges in life—a mosaic of joy, sorrow, and growth. For many, those challenges range from the intricate dance of human connection to battles with inner demons. After the military, Justin's life became a labyrinth, a quest for purpose shadowed in uncertainty.

Through many more tremendous life storms, his faith in Christ served as an unwavering compass. In the midst of these spiritual hurricanes, he found solace in God. Though each trial loomed dark on the horizon, each eventually revealed a silver lining, a lesson etched into his soul. These experiences gradually clarified the path ahead, affirming God still had plans for him.

Justin's story stands as a testament to the power of enduring faith, capable of transforming even the most desperate and lost individuals. And through it all, Justin's story is yet to be finished...