1 Peter 1:7 (KJV):

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

Growing up, I have always been told that the greatest trials are placed upon the strongest warriors of God. Therefore, after I was baptized and turned to seeking salvation for my mundane soul, it came as no surprise that my journey changed from one of peace, to one of war.

Throughout every battle, I sought immediate solace in my relationship with My Father; however, when the darkest match came to tear down my "calling" from God, I froze. I questioned my beliefs, I questioned my relationship, I questioned my salvation, and, most drastically, I questioned my faith.

When confronting my mother with these doubts, she instantly understood my sorrow, taking me in her arms and soothing my mind. Therefore, when I found her haphazardly placing notes in my Bible on scriptures that God had steadfastly led her to mark the next day, I cried.

I thought back on the cycle of torment that she had lived earlier in her life, almost instantly coming to the realization of what I needed to do. I made my way to her bedroom, tears spewing down my face, and stopped. I looked her in the depths of her eyes, humbled down by the glory of God, and asked, "How do I move on from here?"

This is her response.

"I have been praying since I was a young child. My father was a devoted pastor of a small community church. My daddy always said prayers were my way to talk to God personally, “Ask and you shall receive.” I never rebelled against prayer; I simply prayed harder.

Four years ago, my daddy was diagnosed with severely corroded arteries, and just recently, congestive heart failure. Year by year, I watched as his health progressively got worse. The mini strokes came, slowly taking their toll on his mind and body. It was strange seeing him, an otherwise strong and vibrant man, in this state. Confined to bed, he no longer had freedom of movement. I feared losing him, feared losing what I could not keep. I believed God would heal him and take away his pain and suffering.

As my dad accepted death, he cried out for Jesus to take the wheel. I could do nothing but cry and beg for mercy, “God let my daddy be.” Then I became angry. What good is praying, when my prayers go unanswered? I began to doubt my faith in prayer. I pleaded, counting on the healing powers of the almighty God, but his word was silent. All I needed to see was evidence that God still cared. I believed he had shut his ears to my prayers and left me to face this battle on my own.

The death rattle was the worst sound I have ever heard. I knew then, no amount of prayer was going to save him; he was going to die. I do not know what happened, but somehow a bit of strength rose inside me. I held his hand and spoke into his ear how much I loved him and what a wonderful father he was. I watched as my daddy breathed his last breath. I could not begin to explain my emotions at that moment. I was overwhelmed with anger, grief, and most of all excruciating pain.

Spending time with my daddy in his last days was an incredibly hard, but beautiful experience. I doubted my faith in prayer, doubted even in heaven and hell, but I know now that the trials and tribulations I experience in life are a test of my faith. God promises to never give me more than I can handle. I was selfish, always thinking about what I wanted, instead of the greater plan. I continue to pray, as long as it is God’s will, and not my own. True faith is believing, even when it seems all hope is gone. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul, I love you Daddy.

Through my mother's testimony, I found the hope I needed to begin to rebuild my faith in Christ. It was by her obedience to God alone that I tore down the walls of oppression and evil covering my chest, and found an even more passionate understanding of the role I am to play in this world as nothing more than a humble servant of God.

God tells us that though He tries us with fire — the things that we fear or despise the most. These trials are far more precious than of even gold on Earth. The fire is a good thing, for if your faith survives until the end of days, you will find honor and glory with Jesus Christ. This is due to the fact that God commonly uses the people whom we love the most to test us, whether it's fighting with a spouse, getting insulted by a sibling, being influenced by a friend, or even losing a loved one.

Therefore, I now find meaning in my struggles, passion in my battles. I know that God has a battle plan, and I am merely His loyal warrior. That being said, we must all put on the blessed armor of God and follow Our Father into war against Satan and his pool of demons. Do not stand down; rise above. Have faith in His walk with you, and NEVER doubt the power of true prayer.

Ephesians 6:11-18 (KJV):

"11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"