The young woman sat on a hill near the ocean, looking down at the turbulent waters below. She had lost her job, her home, and her boyfriend. She had been diagnosed with a chronic illness. She was in debt. She had lost almost everything in a short period of time, and she was scared. She didn’t know what to do.
She closed her eyes and prayed. “God,” she said, “I am so lost. I don’t know where to go or what to do. Please help me.”
She opened her eyes and saw a light in the distance. She got up and started walking towards it. As she got closer, she saw that it was a house. There was a man standing in the window, waving to her.
The young woman ran to the house and knocked on the door. The man opened the door and smiled at her. “Hello,” he said. “My name is Elijah. What’s your name?”
“My name is Maya,” the young woman said. “I’m lost. Can I stay here?”
“Of course you can stay here,” Elijah said. “Come in, come in.”
Maya went inside, and Elijah closed the door behind her. “Sit down,” Elijah said. “I’ll get you some food and water.”
Elijah went into the kitchen and came back a few minutes later with a plate of food and a glass of water. He set them down in front of Maya.
“Here you go,” Elijah said. “Eat up.”
Maya ate the food and drank the water. She felt much better after she had eaten.
“Thank you,” Maya said. “That was delicious.”
“You’re welcome,” Elijah said. “Now, tell me about yourself.”
Maya told Elijah her story. She told him about how she had lost her job, her home, and her boyfriend. She told him about how she was scared and didn’t know what to do.
Elijah listened patiently. When Maya was finished, Elijah said, “I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through such a difficult time. But I want you to know that you’re not alone. God is with you, and he will help you through this.”
Maya smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “I needed to hear that.”
“You’re welcome,” Elijah said. “Now, why don’t you get some rest? You can sleep in the guest room.”
Maya went into the guest room and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She slept soundly for the first time in days.
When she woke up the next morning, she felt refreshed and optimistic. She knew that she would be okay. She had God’s love, and she had a friend who would help her through anything.
Maya went downstairs and found Elijah in the kitchen. “Good morning,” Elijah said. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” Maya said. “I slept great.”
“I’m glad,” Elijah said. “Now, come and have breakfast.”
Maya sat down at the table, and Elijah served her breakfast. After breakfast, Maya helped Elijah with the dishes. Then, Elijah showed Maya around the house.
“This is a beautiful house,” Maya said.
“Thank you,” Elijah said. “I’ve been here for many years. It’s my home.”
“I can see why,” Maya said. “It’s so warm and inviting.”
Maya stayed with Elijah for a few weeks. During that time, Elijah helped Maya to find a new job and a new place to live. He also helped Maya to heal from the emotional pain that she had been through.
When it was time for Maya to leave, she was sad to go. But she knew that she would be okay. She had God’s love, and she had a friend who would always be there for her.
“Thank you for everything,” Maya said to Elijah. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“You’re welcome,” Elijah said. “I’m glad I could help.”
Maya hugged Elijah goodbye, and then she walked out the door. She looked back once, and she saw Elijah standing in the doorway, waving goodbye.
Maya smiled. She knew that she would never forget Elijah, and she knew that she would always be grateful for his help.
Maya went on to live a long and happy life. She never forgot Elijah, and she always remembered his words.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2