From Cocaine Addiction to Christ: Jonathan Rabe Powerful Transformation Story

Loading player...
Jonathan Rabe's life was spiraling out of control—wild parties, endless alcohol, cocaine addiction, sleeping tablets, and two rehabilitation programs. The successful Pretoria interior designer lived what he calls "a very busy self-celebratory lifestyle, full of pride and a deep desire to please others," never recognizing his worth as being "fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of Christ."
"I cannot count the number of times the enemy attacked me physically and emotionally," Jonathan told host Auntie Megs on JustGospel Radio. "There were moments when I didn't even know how I made it home safely. Some force, an angel, drove my car home."
His continued substance abuse eventually cost him everything—his money, his car, and his Linwood studio in Pretoria. Rock bottom brought a humble restart in Vereeniging, forcing deep self-introspection and complete surrender to God. "For the first time, I relied fully on Him for clarity and direction," he explains.
The transformation began with an encounter with Jesus that changed everything. "It was just a feeling of everything being released off my life—that baggage you used to carry, unforgiveness, pride, wondering what people think about you," Jonathan recalls. Through complete surrender, God began revealing His plans through unexpected ways.
When God instructed Jonathan to join a gym despite having no finances, someone miraculously paid his membership. There, a stranger approached him saying, "You are such a blessing." The Holy Spirit spoke clearly: "There's your revelation. God wants to use you in Vereeniging."
Today, Jonathan is completely free from cocaine and substance abuse. "I used to hide it very well while working, but the paranoia, anger, aggression, and pride were overwhelming," he shares. "Now I have the peace and serenity of the Holy Spirit. I'm high on the Holy Spirit."
He's become a daily witness at his gym, sharing devotional words and scripture with fellow exercisers who eagerly ask to hear more about Jesus. "Certain groups don't really receive it because they're still in a worldly mindset, but the group I exercise with every morning always wants to hear more about Jesus."
Jonathan's vision extends beyond personal testimony. He's launching God's Rock Foundation, partnering with corporate clients to bring sponsorships and food schemes to Vereeniging's impoverished communities. "I know God brought us here because there's a lot of poverty in the area," he says, recalling their Christmas outreach in Three Rivers where they distributed food parcels and spent meaningful time with residents.
His message resonates with authority born from lived experience: "God doesn't judge who you are or where you've come from because He sees your heart. Today I am a new creation and a proud child of God—living proof that transformation is real.
23 Jan English South Africa Christianity · Religion & Spirituality

Other recent episodes

Culture is Wealth: Afro-Caribbean Chamber's Pan-African Vision

On JustGospel's Just Business with Lindi Tshabangu, Honorable Quadri Adukanni, President of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Culture and Tourism, shared how cultural preservation drives economic empowerment across Africa and the Caribbean diaspora. The Fusion Connection "When we talk about Afro-Caribbean, we're looking at fusion, connectivity between Africans and our brothers…
3 Feb 28 min

Breaking Limiting Beliefs: Ledisa Academy's Kingdom Coaching

On JustGospel's Joyful Journey Home with Carlett, Lizelda Kotzee shared how Ledisa Life Coach Academy equips Christians with biblical tools to bridge the gap between hearing God's Word and doing it. From Ministry to Coaching "My husband Andre and I had a church in Hartbeespoort Dam for 14 years. We…
11 Feb 44 min

Standing in the Gap: Rustervaal Vigil for 13 Lost Children

Here's the corrected professional summary for the Iono FM podcast at 2500 characters: Standing in the Gap: Rustervaal Vigil for 13 Lost Children On JustGospel's Just Business with Lindi Tshabangu, Jordache from Rustervaal Community shared details of a night vigil honoring 13 learners who died in a Monday morning scholar…
3 Feb 15 min

Walk on Water: Veronica Mofokeng's Obedience Journey

Here's a professional summary for the Iono FM podcast at 2500 characters: Walk on Water: Veronica Mofokeng's Obedience Journey On JustGospel's Joyful Journey Home with Carlett, cruise ship entertainer Veronica Mofokeng (Dipuo) shared how radical obedience took her from Lekwa FM newsreader to Royal Caribbean, becoming the first in her…
3 Feb 34 min

FROM WAR TO BREAKTHROUGH: ALETTÉ WINCKLER'S JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION

Aletté Winckler sits down with JustGospel to share her remarkable journey from image consultant to inner healer, revealing how God transformed her ministry focus from external makeovers to profound heart transformation. As a pastor, author, CEO, mother of four, and wife to renowned Afrikaans singer Heinz Winckler, Aletté's path has…
2 Feb 45 min