“This testimony can take you from one level of faith to another.”
Rick Joyner, a well known American evangelist and author, spent 26 years praying that God would take him into the third heaven, just as He did with the Apostle Paul (see 2 Corinthians 12:2).
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.”2 Corinthians 12:2 (ESV)
One day, God answered that persistent prayer. Rick was taken into a heavenly vision, which he later documented in his famous book, The Final Quest, a work that gained widespread recognition worldwide. In it, he describes what he saw concerning the condition of today’s Christians and spiritual realities beyond this life.
For our purposes, let’s focus on one short but powerful portion of that vision a lesson with deep theological and practical meaning for all believers.
As Rick was being led by the Lord through heaven, he came to a place where there were many thrones, each radiant with divine glory. Among them, one throne stood out. It was surrounded by angels and adorned more magnificently than the others. Upon this throne sat a great King, whose glory surpassed even that of King Solomon.
As Rick looked closely, he recognized something oddly familiar about the man’s face. He turned to the Lord and said, “Lord, I feel like I’ve seen him before, but I don’t remember where.”
The man, whose name was Angelo, responded, “You did see me once long ago in a vision.”
Suddenly, Rick remembered.
Years earlier, as a young man, Rick had gone outside to sit quietly with his Bible, seeking to hear from the Lord. During that time, he had a vision of two people:
The Lord asked Rick, “Which of these two pleases Me more?”
Confidently, Rick replied, “The first man, of course.”
But the Lord said, “No, it’s the second.”
Surprised, Rick listened as the Lord revealed their backstories:
The first man had every advantage: born into a godly family, raised in a good church, given opportunities to study Scripture deeply. God gave him 100% of grace, but he only used 75% of it.
The second man, Angelo, was born deaf. Abandoned as a child, he was raised in abusive institutions, and eventually ended up on the streets. God, in His mercy, gave him only three small portions of grace but Angelo used all of them faithfully. He even overcame his violent habits, including his tendency to lash out at animals.
Rick asked the Lord to tell him more. The Lord explained that Angelo remained faithful even through severe trials. At one point, he nearly starved, but still refused to steal. Instead, he collected cans to sell and bought his food honestly. Occasionally, he was hired for odd cleaning jobs.
Despite being deaf, Angelo learned to read. God led him to read Gospel tracts, and as he read, the Holy Spirit opened his heart. He surrendered his life to Jesus.
Though unable to speak, he deeply desired to share the Gospel. So, he used over half of his small income to distribute Gospel tracts in the streets.
Rick asked, “Surely, he must have brought many souls to You, Lord?”
The Lord replied, “Only one.”
A dying drunkard read one of Angelo’s tracts and gave his life to Christ. This one conversion was a great encouragement to Angelo and gave him the strength to continue sharing, even when no one seemed to listen.
“I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (ESV)
Rick asked, “What made him worthy to sit on such a great throne?”
The Lord answered, “He was faithful with all he was given and overcame everything to the point of being like Me. He died daily for others.”
Rick pressed further: “But how did he die for You, Lord?”
Jesus replied:
“He overcame the world through My love.”
Angelo didn’t live for himself. Despite having nothing, he was thankful for everything even a cardboard box, which he used as a place of worship. He loved everyone and everything he encountered even simple things like an apple brought him more joy than others experience in grand celebrations.
Then the Lord shocked Rick.
“You passed by Angelo many times on the streets,” He said. “Once, you even pointed at him and told your friend, ‘These are the kind of people Satan sends to destroy the church.’”
Rick was devastated. “Lord, forgive me,” he pleaded.
“You are already forgiven,” the Lord replied.
The Lord continued:
“Angelo had much to give to My people, but they rejected him. When he visited churches, no one welcomed him. But had they received him, they would have received Me.”
The Lord said:
“He died from the cold while trying to save a drunk man on the street.”
Rick then asked, “But Lord, isn’t it only those who die preaching the Gospel who are considered Your martyrs?”
The Lord responded:
“Angelo died for Me every day. He was willing to lay down his life for the sake of others and that’s the true test of love.”
“If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”1 Corinthians 13:3 (ESV)
Many people think that in order to be close to God, they must be like famous preachers or prophets. But God does not measure greatness the way people do. Each of us is given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3), and what matters is not how much, but what you do with what you’ve been given.
Think of it like this:
Though the second answered more questions, the first was more faithful by percentage. In the same way, faithfulness is what God honors not quantity, but obedience and integrity with your portion.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.”Luke 16:10 (ESV)
If you’ve made the decision to follow Christ with all your heart stay faithful. Your day of reward is coming. The Lord sees every sacrifice, every effort, every moment of obedience, even when no one else does.
And if you’ve been resisting the voice of God in church services, sermons, or testimonies like this one know that grace doesn’t last forever. One day, rewards will be handed out, and only the faithful will be found worthy.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23 (ESV)
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Prisca Yohana, known by her artist name "binti wa Mungu" born 24th december, 2000 in Dar es salaam Tanzania. Gospel artist with a deep passion for worship and spreading the message of God’s love through music.
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