The Return of Joshua

By Kristen Zuray

With war on the horizon, will the citizens of Soteria choose the lies of Rasha or the redeeming love of Penuel, Joshua, and Matthew?

Rasha's struggle for full control is reaching its climactic end. By developing a secret weapon, he plans to end all hope. To stop his enemy, King Penuel prepares for the return of his son, Prince Joshua. The

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Nov 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890414335

Kristen Zuray

Kristen Zuray has served in church ministry for seventeen years, founded a nonprofit coffee home for youth in crisis, and currently serves as a mental health and life coach. She is the author of several books. Kristen speaks at conferences, retreats, and various events. She is passionate about helping others break free from past traumas and abuse so that they can discover their identity and purpose in Christ. She loves coffee shops, road trips, and hosting parties. She and her husband reside outside Spokane, Washington.

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THE RETURN

OF Joshua

by Kristen Zuray

The Return of Joshua

Trilogy Christian Publishers A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2023 by Kristen Zuray

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from Holman Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Cover design by JP Staggs

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 979-8-89041-432-8

E-ISBN: 979-8-89041-429-8

Endorsements

Redemption of Adi Series

The Redemption of Adi series is an action-packed, page-turning adventure that beautifully depicts one of the greatest stories still being written. The Return of Joshua, like the final chapters of Revelation, brings the journey of a man and the bride he would give his life for to a powerful and hope-filled close. With betrayal, disease, uprisings, war, and true love rising above it all, anyone who picks up this masterpiece won’t be able to put it down!

—AL

Reading The Redemption of Adi series has brought me to a deeper understanding of God and what His love for us looks like. The main character, Adi, is somehow so relatable even though I don’t share her story, which makes reading the book an emotional experience because it feels like God is showing you His love through it. I was blown away by how captivating each page of the series is, and all the clarity of how God sees us is etched through it.

—AD

This is an exciting novel! It tells the truth in a new and brilliant way. This book opens your eyes to the Love God has for his children. It is a great representation of the spiritual struggle of good and evil while representing the victory of God. I highly recommend this book! One of the best ways to depict this topic.

—LF

These show a great sense of the love and care Jesus and God have for us. In the first one, you can find many parallels to when Jesus died on the cross. And I’m the second book; when she goes to Joshua and is encouraged, it is like how when we go to Jesus and God for encouragement against the powers of evil. I love how we can find their love in each page of this book. Completely brilliant by the author!

—DM

These books have the ability to be relatable, which goes a long way for the readers. I am confident there are readers out there who will find these books a must-read.

—JD

Dedication

To my husband and best friend, Josh. Though not intentional or planned, it’s fitting that you share the same name as the character of Joshua. Your name, God is salvation, rings true to who you are. You have been my encourager, supporter, dreamer, and literally, my right arm when I couldn’t type anymore. Through your many sacrifices and unconditional love, you have made these books possible. That’s why this last book is dedicated to you. Hand in hand, we will cross the finish line together! I love you!

Preface

They say, We are victorious, but why does it feel like we never are? It feels like we struggle against sin, abuse, trauma, and hardships on a regular basis. Will we ever get to taste victory? Will redemption win?

This book will give you a glimpse of what is in store for those who have a relationship with Jesus and the hope that is yet to come. My desire is that it will inspire you to rise up and live courageously. The enemies may seem strong, but they are weak against the power of our Savior.

Reader, you are victorious even now. Stay the course and know that the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are there with you every step of the way.

You are the victor!

Kristen Zuray

List of Characters/Places

King Penuel: Hebrew name for face of God. He represents God the Father.

Joshua: Hebrew name for Jesus. He represents Jesus, God’s Son.

Matthew: Hebrew name meaning gift from God. He represents the Holy Ghost, the promised Comforter.

Gabriel: Acts as an angelic messenger in the Bible and will continue to be the messenger in the story.

Michael: In the Bible, he is the angelic warrior fighting against the opposition, and so does his character in the story.

Adi: Hebrew name meaning jewel. She represents the individual human, male or female (Malachi 3:17).

Rasha: Hebrew name meaning wicked. He represents Satan.

Benjamin: Hebrew name meaning son of the right hand.

Ares: Greek name meaning god of war. He represents the Anti-Christ.

Doyle: Irish name meaning the dark stranger. He represents the false prophet.

Miskana: Hebrew for dwelling place of God. Represents heaven.

Soteria: Greek word for salvation, the city that King Penuel wishes to redeem.

Other Books

Redemption of Adi Series

Redemption of Adi

Revenge of Rasha

Return of Joshua

Books

The Runner

Standing at the Wall

Journey to Surrender

He will wipe every tear from their eyes,

and there will be no more death or sorrow

or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.

Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

Chapter 1

Adi blankly stared at the upholstery in front of her. As her eyes began to focus, she reached a finger to trace the unique design. Gold threads weaved in and out of a rich cream-colored fabric creating a pattern of what appeared to be crowns. The fabric looked like silk, and yet it was softer and warmer than cotton to the touch. Adi crinkled her nose with confusion, What am I looking at? Realizing that she was lying down on her side, she pushed against the fabric to pull herself away. Her body began to topple off an edge. Frantically, she reached out to grab the fabric, but it was just out of reach. Just as she was about to fall, a pair of strong arms caught her.

Easy now. I’ve got you! A soft chuckle sounded close to her ear.

That voice so deep and resonant and yet so compassionate and playful. Joshua! With excitement, Adi whipped around in his arms to face him. His deep chocolate-brown eyes twinkled with amusement at her shocked face. Joshua! You’re here!

Laughing, he helped his bride into a sitting position and then sat next to her. Gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, he replied, No, Darling. It is you who is here in Miskana!

Adi’s eyes widened. Waa… her voice trailed off as she looked about the luxurious room. A cool, sweet-smelling breeze wafted through three sets of opened French doors that were outlined by pearls. Beyond the doors was a white marble balcony with a carved railing made out of ivory. White puffy clouds lazily drifted by. Back inside, in front of the doors, was a simple desk made out of more ivory threaded with strands of gold. Scrolls from the finest leather were neatly stacked in the corner of the desk, waiting to be opened. Adi stared with wonder at the walls and ceiling that glistened with what appeared to be opaque opals more beautiful than she had ever seen. Beneath her bare feet was a white plush fur-like rug, the softest she had ever stepped on. Looking again at the fabric she now sat on, she realized it was a couch created in the Victorian style with its curvy back and claw foot legs. The room was simple in its furnishings and yet so elegant. It boasted of humble authority.

Joshua sat quietly, watching his bride take in her surroundings. Does it pass your inspection, my love?

Startled, she jumped. Embarrassed that the Prince mistook her perusal as a sign of being critical. A feeling of unworthiness to be a part of the luxurious surroundings washed over her. Looking down at her fidgeting hands, she murmured, It’s beautiful.

Lovingly, Joshua cupped her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his. You are worthy, my Love, my Jewel.

A tear slipped down her face as she stared deep into his eyes. Love like she had never known before whipped about her engulfing her to the innermost recesses of her soul and her body. Hearing the quiet rhythmic beating of Joshua’s heart, Adi hesitantly covered his chest with her small hand. A warm sensation flowed into her hand, up her arm, and into her chest. She could feel the broken pieces of her heart bonding together to become completely whole. A soft gasp escaped from her lips as she realized that the pain and void that she had carried from years of abuse was now gone. Her heart began to beat in rhythm with Joshua’s. Peace descended.

The pain is gone, she whispered.

Joshua caressed her cheek. Since the time you were born, my father, Matthew, and I have been working to restore you to us. When you accepted my proposal, we could then work with you, preparing you to be with us. Now that you’re here, you’ve been completely and fully restored. Gently placing his hand on her once-broken ribs, he continued, Not only has your body been healed of the wounds inflicted by Rasha, but it has also been transformed to be able to live in Miskana. Soterians’ bodies aren’t able to adapt to the living conditions of Miskana. Pausing, he placed a tender hand over her heart. Your heart now beats with mine, and your soul will no longer be wounded. The restoration of you is complete. It is finished, and you are so beautiful! Slowly, Joshua bent his head close to her face. When he closed his eyes, his lips tenderly met hers in their first kiss.

Adi’s heart jumped at the touch of his soft lips. He truly does love me! she thought as tears slipped down her face. Placing her arms behind his neck, she pulled him even closer. Adi had never encountered such love and pure passion before. The men she had known just took from her, but Joshua gave. As he kissed her, she could feel his life pouring into her. If only this moment could last forever. Gently, Joshua pulled far enough away to look into her eyes. But, Adi, Darling, this moment will last forever! He pulled her against his muscled chest in a protective embrace.

Just then, someone entered the room and intentionally cleared his throat. Adi quickly pulled away, embarrassed. Looking toward the noise, she saw an older version of the Prince standing with his hands clasped behind his back. Streaks of white hair around Penuel’s temple and a few lines on his forehead shown not the signs of age but of deep wisdom. Realizing that she was staring at him, she blushed and looked away.

He chuckled, No need to be embarrassed, Daughter! After all, this is the first time we are meeting face-to-face.

Adi gave a small smile, and then a thought hit her, Why didn’t you let me see you when we were in the church with Rasha? I could hear you, but why couldn’t I see you?

He shrugged. I couldn’t let you see me while you were still in your Soterian body. If you had tried to, you would have died. The restoration of you had not yet been completed, Penuel simply replied.

Just then, Matthew walked in, noticing Adi’s very confused expression. Glad to see you’re up, little one, but why do you look so confused?

Why do all of you look alike? Adi blurted.

The three men laughed. Joshua inserted, "You see, the three of us have different roles to fulfill but have the same attributes. Not one is more powerful than the other; we just have