Maranatha Stories

A young man was sitting on a bench at the corner of the street, looking at the ground. He began to cry. He was going through the most challenging time of his life and he didn’t know what to do.

His wife had left him and taken their daughter with her to her mother’s house. He had been fired from his job for something he didn’t do. And he had recently been diagnosed with a difficult illness that changed his life forever.

He stopped crying and said to himself, “What am I supposed to do now?”

“I know,” he said. “I’ll pray. I don’t know what else to do.”

He prayed, “Dear God, I don’t know what to do. I’ve lost almost everything in my life. Don’t you see my hardships? Don’t you care about my suffering?”

He put his face into his hands and began to cry again.

Just then, a thick fog rolled down the streets and covered him. He could barely see his hands. “What’s going on?” he said to himself.

A deep voice replied, “I know you are suffering, and I know your hardships. You don’t have to worry. Seek Me, and you will find all that you’re looking for.”

The young man said, “Who are you?” and the fog began to lift. The young man found himself sitting on the bench, convinced he had just heard from God.

So the young man made it his mission to seek God. He started reading the Bible, he started to pray every day, and he started to go to church and Sunday school. God’s words, especially His promises, seemed to resonate with the young man.

With time, the young man realized that he was seeking the wrong things in his life. He needed to put God first to find happiness and contentment.

With his new found faith, his wife returned to him and seemed like a different person. The young man found a new job, better than his previous one. And he learned that his illness could be managed with medicines.

God was restoring his life and he was a new person because of God’s faithfulness.

This story is an inspiration to us all. We all go through trials, some small, some large. Regardless, God is always with us. He allows it to happen so that we might draw closer to Him and closer to each other. No matter what you are going through, simply don’t give up and persevere in your faith. In time, you will find peace and contentment.

“I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul.”

Psalm 31:7

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33

A young woman stood before a judge, her hands shaking. She had been convicted of a crime, and she was facing a long prison sentence. She knew that she had made a mistake, but she was hoping for mercy.

The judge looked at the young woman and sighed. “I know that you’re young, and I know that you’re sorry for what you’ve done,” he said. “But I also have to consider the seriousness of your crime. I’m sentencing you to five years in prison.”

The young woman’s heart sank. She had been hoping for a lighter sentence, but she knew that she had to accept the judge’s decision. She was led away to prison, feeling defeated and hopeless.

The young woman spent the next couple of years in prison. She worked hard and tried to stay out of trouble, but she was often lonely and depressed. She missed her family and friends, and she wondered if she would ever be able to put her life back together.

One day, two years after her conviction, the young woman was called to the warden’s office. She was surprised to see that the judge was there.

“I’ve been thinking about your case,” the judge said. “And I’ve decided to release you early on parole.”

The young woman was stunned. She couldn’t believe that the judge was giving her a second chance.

“Thank you,” she said. “I won’t let you down.”

The young woman was released from prison, and she vowed to turn her life around. She got a job, got her GED, and started going to church. She met a man, got married, and had a child. She was finally happy and content.

The young woman never forgot the judge’s mercy. She knew that she didn’t deserve it, but she was grateful for it. She was determined to live her life in a way that would honor the judge’s faith in her.

The young woman’s story is a reminder that God’s mercy is greater than our sin. No matter how far we have fallen, God is always willing to forgive us and give us a second chance. We should never give up hope, no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem.

“My mercy will overrule judgement.”

James 2:13

A young woman stood in the doorway of a homeless shelter, looking around with a mixture of fear and hope. She had never been in a place like this before, and she didn’t know what to expect. But she knew that she had nowhere else to go.

She had been living on the streets for the past few months, ever since her husband had left her and taken their young son with him. She had tried to find a job, but no one would hire her without a permanent address or a reliable phone number. She had been sleeping in parks and alleyways, and she was starting to lose hope.

But then she had heard about the homeless shelter. She had come to see if they could help her.

The woman at the front desk smiled at her. “Welcome,” she said. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Shana,” the young woman said.

“It’s nice to meet you, Shana,” the woman said. “What brings you to our shelter?”

Shana told the woman her story. The woman listened patiently, and when Shana was finished, she said, “We’re glad you’re here, Shana. We can help you get back on your feet.”

The woman showed Shana to a room where she could stay. She also gave her a voucher for a free meal in the dining hall.

Shana ate her meal, and then she went to her room. She was exhausted, but she was also hopeful. She knew that she was in a safe place now, and that she would be able to get back on her feet with the help of the shelter.

The next day, Shana went to the shelter’s job training program. She learned how to use a computer, and she was also given help with her resume. She was able to find a job a few weeks later, and she was able to move into her own apartment a few months after that.

Shana was so grateful for the help that she had received from the homeless shelter. She knew that she would never have been able to get back on her feet without their help.

She often thought about the verse “I am a gracious God who is righteous and full of mercy.” She knew that God had been merciful to her, and she was so thankful for His grace.

Shana’s story is a reminder that God is a gracious God who is full of mercy. He is always willing to help those who are in need. If you are struggling, don’t give up hope. God is with you, and He will help you through whatever you are facing.

“The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”

Psalm 116:5

The young couple stood at the altar, exchanging vows. The bride, Lola, was radiant in her wedding dress, and the groom, Greg, looked handsome in his tuxedo.

As they spoke their vows, Lola and Greg looked into each other’s eyes, and they knew that they were meant to be together. They had been through so much together, and they had always come out stronger.

Lola had been diagnosed with cancer when she was just 20 years old. She had gone through chemotherapy and radiation, and she had lost her hair. But Greg had been by her side the whole time, and he had never given up on her.

Greg had lost his job when the company he worked for went bankrupt. He had been unemployed for months, and he had been feeling discouraged. But Lola had been there for him, and she had helped him to keep going.

Through it all, Lola and Greg had never wavered in their love for each other. They knew that they were meant to be together, and they were determined to build a happy life together.

As they exchanged vows, Lola and Greg promised to love and protect each other always. They knew that they would face challenges in their lives, but they also knew that they could overcome anything together.

“I will protect and carry you all the days of my life,” Greg said.

“I will protect and carry you all the days of my life,” Lola said.

The young couple kissed, and the crowd erupted into applause. Lola and Greg were now husband and wife, and they were ready to start their new life together.

Lola and Greg’s story is a reminder that love can conquer all. No matter what challenges you face in life, if you have love, you can overcome anything.

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.”

Isaiah 46:4

In a bustling city filled with cacophony and hurried footsteps, there lived a young woman named Emi. She had a heart yearning for connection and a deep longing to be understood. But amidst the chaos of daily life, she often felt lost and alone.

One evening, as Emi walked through a park, she was filled with the beauty of the setting sun. She felt an overwhelming desire for something more. She longed for a sense of closeness, a connection that would fill the void within her.

As she stood there, she heard a gentle breeze whisper through the trees. The voice was soft and seemed to speak directly to her heart. “Come close to me, and I will come close to you,” it whispered.

Emi had heard these words before, but she had never truly understood them. But in this moment, she felt a deep connection to the voice. She closed her eyes and opened her heart, allowing herself to be filled with love.

In the days that followed, Emi embarked on a journey of self-discovery. She read the Bible, prayed, read devotionals and other books, started going to church and Sunday school, talked to people, and spent time in nature. She began to see that the connection she was seeking was not something that could be found outside of herself. It was something that she had to create within herself.

As Emi began to live from a place of love and compassion, she noticed a difference in her relationships with others. She was more patient, understanding, and forgiving. She also found that she was more at peace with herself.

Emi’s journey is a reminder that we are all connected. We are all part of something bigger than ourselves. When we open our hearts to love, we connect to God. And when we connect to God, we connect to each other.

May we all be inspired by Emi’s story to open our hearts to love and connection. May we all experience the transformative power of connection. And may we all live in peace and harmony with one another.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

James 4:8

Hailey was excited about giving birth to another child. She and her husband were expecting the baby to come any day now.

One day, Hailey received some bad news: her best friend had just been killed in a car accident. Hailey was devastated. She cried and cried.

Before she knew it, her water broke and the baby was on the way. Hailey and her husband rushed to the hospital. She delivered a beautiful daughter. Hailey was overjoyed to have her new baby, but she was also heartbroken over the loss of her best friend.

Three days later, Hailey and her family attended the funeral. After the funeral, Hailey’s best friend’s mother came up to her and said, “Here. She would have wanted you to have this.” She gave Hailey her Bible.

Hailey took the Bible home and began to read it. She was comforted by the words of scripture, and she found strength in her faith.

One day, Hailey was reading the Bible when she came across the following verse:

“One day I will wipe away every tear and take away all your pain.”

This verse gave Hailey hope. She knew that her best friend was in a better place, and she knew that one day she would see her again.

Hailey continued to grieve the loss of her best friend, but she also found joy in her new daughter. She knew that her friend would have been happy for her, and she was grateful for the support of her family and friends.

Hailey’s story is a reminder that even in the midst of tragedy, there is always hope. With faith and love, we can overcome any obstacle.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Jamie was a single mother who raised her daughter Sue Ellen on her own. Sue Ellen was a bright and cheerful child, and Jamie loved her very much.

One day, Jamie took Sue Ellen to the doctor because she was having vision problems. The doctor ran some tests and told Jamie that Sue Ellen had a tumor in her brain. The tumor needed to be removed, but it was a very risky surgery.

Jamie was devastated. She didn’t know what she would do without Sue Ellen. But Sue Ellen was brave and courageous. She told her mother not to worry, because she knew that God would take care of her.

Sue Ellen underwent the surgery, but it was not successful. She passed away a few days later. Jamie was heartbroken. She didn’t know how she would go on without her daughter.

Jamie’s friends and family were there for her during this difficult time. They helped her to grieve and to start to heal. Jamie also found comfort in her faith. She knew that Sue Ellen was in a better place, and that she would see her again one day.

In time, Jamie began to find joy in life again. She started volunteering at a children’s hospital, where she helped other families who were going through the same thing she had gone through. She also started a blog about her experiences, in the hopes that it would help other people who were grieving.

Jamie’s story is a reminder that even in the midst of tragedy, there is always hope. With faith, love, and support, we can overcome any obstacle.

“My everlasting joy and gladness will drive all sorrow and mourning away.”

Isaiah 51:11

Jonathan was a man who suffered from anxiety disorder. He would have waves of uncontrollable fear that would paralyze him. He had tried everything, but he couldn’t find a way to cope with it.

One day, he was in the middle of an episode when he called his friend, Rhett, to help him talk through it. Rhett listened patiently and then said, “You know, Jonathan, you might want to try going to church. I mean, you’ve tried everything else.”

Jonathan agreed and asked if he could go with him to church the following Sunday. Rhett agreed.

When they arrived at church, Jonathan noticed that he wasn’t as afraid as he normally was. He listened to the sermon and participated in the worship service. At the end of the service, there was an altar call. Jonathan felt a prompting to go forward, so he did.

As he knelt at the altar, the minister prayed over him and laid hands on him. Jonathan felt a sense of peace and calm that he had never felt before. He knew that he had found a place where he could belong and be accepted.

Jonathan continued to go to church and he began to feel better. He still had anxiety attacks, but they were not as severe as they used to be. He was able to manage his anxiety and live a normal life.

Jonathan was forever grateful to Rhett for suggesting that he try going to church. He also appreciated the support of the church community. He knew that he could always count on them for help and encouragement.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

1 John 4:18

A young woman had always been a dreamer. She would often drift off into her own world, imagining all sorts of wonderful things. But as she got older, her dreams began to fade. She started to believe that they were nothing more than wishful thinking.

One day, she had a dream that changed her life forever. In the dream, she was walking through a beautiful garden. The sun was shining, and the flowers were in bloom. She felt a sense of peace and happiness that she had never felt before.

In the dream, she met a woman who told her that she was special. She said that God had a special purpose for her life. The woman told her to never give up on her dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed.

When the young woman woke up, she felt different. She knew that she had to follow her dreams. She started to write again, something that she had loved to do as a child. She also started to volunteer at a local orphanage.

The young woman’s dreams didn’t always come true. But she never gave up. She knew that God had a plan for her life, and she was determined to find out what it was.

One day, the young woman was volunteering at the orphanage when she met a young boy who was struggling with dyslexia. The young woman knew that she could help him, so she started to tutor him.

The young boy made great progress under the young woman’s tutelage. He eventually went on to college and became a successful lawyer.

The young woman was so proud of the young boy. She knew that she had helped him to fulfill his potential. She also knew that she had fulfilled her own purpose in life.

The young woman continued to follow her dreams. She became a successful writer and a tireless advocate for children’s rights. She never forgot the words of the woman in her dream: “God has a special purpose for your life.”

The young woman lived a long and happy life. She never gave up on her dreams, and she always believed that God had a plan for her life.

The young woman’s story is a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams. No matter how impossible they seem, God can make them a reality.

This verse is a promise from God that He will help us to achieve our dreams. We can trust Him to guide us and to give us the strength to persevere. If you have a dream, don’t give up on it. God has a plan for your life, and He can help you to make your dreams a reality.

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”

Psalm 138:8

A young woman had been struggling with addiction for years, and she felt like she was at her wit’s end. She had tried everything she could think of to break free from her addiction, but nothing had worked. She was starting to lose hope.

One day, she decided to go to church. The pastor said, “I will give you my power to destroy spiritual strongholds.” Those words struck a chord with her, and she knew that she had to find out more.

After church, she went up to the pastor and asked him what he meant by those words. The pastor explained that spiritual strongholds are anything that keeps us from living a life that is pleasing to God. He said that addiction is a spiritual stronghold, and that it can only be broken through the power of Jesus Christ.

The young woman was encouraged by the pastor’s words, and she decided to give her life to Jesus Christ. She prayed and asked Jesus to forgive her sins and to give her the power to overcome her addiction.

The next day, the young woman woke up feeling different. She felt a new sense of peace and hope. She knew that she had been given the power to overcome her addiction, and she was determined to use that power to live a life that was pleasing to God.

The young woman went on to get help for her addiction, and she was able to break free from its grip. She is now living a life that is full of joy and peace, and she is a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ to overcome spiritual strongholds.

If you are struggling with addiction or any other spiritual stronghold, I encourage you to reach out to someone who can help you. There is hope, and you don’t have to go through this alone.

“I will give you My power to destroy spiritual strongholds.”

2 Corinthians 7:3-5