Nigeria, May 18 -- About 34 years ago, through my close association with a prophet who frequently shared accounts of his extraordinary visions and out-of-body experiences, I developed a deep desire for similar encounters. I longed for them, prayed earnestly for them, and deeply desired to see Jesus and experience the heavenly realms. When those prayers seemed unanswered, I felt profoundly disappointed and heartbroken.

Today, however, I am deeply grateful that God did not grant those requests. In time, the Lord impressed upon my heart that had those prayers been answered, I might have deviated from His intended purpose for my life as a teacher of His Word to my generation. Instead, as I devoted myself to consistent fellowship with God thr...