By: Tania Harris
Heather deeply loved her husband and her three young children.
She had always done her best to follow God and build a happy home. Then her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Soon after, he was dead.
Heather was distraught. Grief at losing her husband was mixed with fear for the future. How was she to raise her children on her own? How was she to provide for her family? Questions and tears filled her prayers.
Six months after her husband’s death, Heather went on holiday with her family. There she began reading a book about hearing God’s voice. As she reflected on it, an old family friend named Alistair kept coming to mind. Eventually, she said to God, ”If there is anything in this, please let Al ring me twenty-four hours after I arrive home.”
Twenty-four hours after she arrived home, Al rang. He asked if he could visit Heather with some friends. After his visit, Heather and Al began spending time together, chatting regularly on the phone and going for long walks. Soon Heather began to develop romantic feelings for Al. It was unexpected and confusing, especially given she was still grieving the loss of her husband.
At the same time, Alistair had his own pain to deal with, having had his fiancée run off with a close friend just the year before. It didn’t seem the best time to be starting a relationship for either of them.
Just as the relationship was progressing, Heather had a dream. In the dream, she saw a hot air balloon. Alistair was standing inside the basket, but the balloon was taking off and floating away. “Quick, Alistair!” Heather shouted to him, “Grab the ropes before you float away!” But then she heard God saying, “Let him go.” Then Heather woke up.
From the beginning, Heather had committed her relationship to God. She knew she must do what God had said. With a heavy heart, she let Alistair go.
Three months later, Heather was at a prayer meeting. During the meeting, a friend had a vision for Heather. She saw a hot air balloon with Heather and a man inside the basket. She felt like God was saying, “I have the ropes. I am in control.”
From the beginning, Heather had committed her relationship to God. She knew she must do what God had said.
Heather’s friend was completely unaware of Heather’s dream of Al and the hot air balloon months earlier. The Holy Spirit had lovingly provided his guidance, leading their relationship with wisdom and providence from the beginning. Heather and Al had both submitted their hearts to God and listened to his counsel. Now the timing was right for them to be together.
Five months after the vision, Heather and Al were married. Al adopted Heather’s three children as his own and they’ve been happily married for thirty years.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. (Psalm 16:7)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, (John 14:26a, RSV).
Article supplied with thanks to God Conversations.
About the Author: Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker, author and the founder of God Conversations.
Feature image: Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash