Bishop T.D. Jakes is speaking out after a “life-threatening” health incident that occurred during his sermon last Sunday (November 24).
“I’m so delighted to see you. I’m grateful for God’s faithfulness and your faithfulness,” the 67-year-old senior pastor of The Potter’s House of Dallas shared with his congregation during the church’s latest livestreamed service.
“I told you last Sunday that I’d see you this Sunday, and so here I am.”
During last week’s service, Jakes was seen lowering his microphone and looking downward before seemingly convulsing. Several worshippers rushed to his aid before the church’s livestream was abruptly cut as the scene unfolded.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Jakes revealed the severity of what transpired.
“Many of you don’t realize that you’re looking at a miracle,” he said. “I faced a life-threatening calamity. I was rushed to the ICU and had emergency surgery.”
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The motivational speaker and author also explained that despite a recent “clean bill of health” after a comprehensive physical, the unexpected event highlighted the unpredictability of life.
“I’m following my doctor’s orders to ‘go slow’ as I recover,” he assured his congregation. “I’m in good spirits, I feel good, and I’m in peace and tranquility. I can feel your prayers.”
He continued: “The truth of the matter is sometimes things happen, and they’re beyond our control. And sometimes things happen in this spiritual warfare. I haven’t deduced the finality of all of that, but what I do know is greater is he that is in us, and he does endure.”
Jakes also used his experience to share a poignant message about gratitude and perspective. He recounted how he became emotional during his final day in the hospital, seeing someone being taken to the morgue.
“Every moment of your life, you should recognize that while you’re headed to the light, someone else is headed to the morgue,” he reflected. “Not because you’re any better or they’re any worse, but by the amazing grace of God.”
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The Bishop also expressed immense gratitude for his loved ones, supporters, and the medical team that treated him. He also took a moment to lead the congregation in praise, saying, “I need you to help me to praise God that we’re not planning a funeral.”
While Jakes refrained from disclosing specific details about his diagnosis, he clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that he didn’t suffer a stroke, noting the event “could’ve been fatal if it weren’t for God’s intervention.”
“I give thanks unto the Lord that I did not have a stroke. However, the event could’ve been fatal if it weren’t for God’s intervention,” Jakes wrote. “A special thank you to God and the medical professionals in our city whose speed and expertise were beyond exceptional,” he wrote.
He continued: “I’m forever humbled by your outpouring of love and support. I will always give my best. May His presence continue to guide and sustain you and provide peace and protection over you all.”
Serving God’s people is an extraordinary privilege, and Sunday was no exception as I gave my all in delivering the message God placed on my heart. Even when I sensed the weight of my humanity and pushed through nonetheless, I’m reminded that even the strongest must rely on His… pic.twitter.com/ZP76L79nbl
— T.D. Jakes (@BishopJakes) November 27, 2024
Jakes founded the non-denominational, multicultural church back in 1996, per its website. It has 30,000 members and operates as a non-profit organization based in southern Dallas.
