Divine intervention saved him.
Bishop T.D. Jakes has attributed a recent health scare to divine intervention, expressing gratitude for avoiding a potentially life-threatening incident. “I give thanks to the Lord that I did not have a stroke,” Jakes shared in a statement.
The 67-year-old pastor of The Potter’s House megachurch revealed the alarming incident while addressing his congregation and followers on social media, crediting both divine help and the quick action of medical professionals for his recovery.
“I am deeply thankful to God and to the medical team in our city for their rapid and skilled response,” Jakes wrote in a post on X, which included a video of him expressing his appreciation. He emphasized his need for rest and reflection, recognizing the importance of observing the Sabbath. “I owe it to my incredible family and church members to take time to rest and recover as God restores me for His service. Rest is not a sign of weakness—it’s a divine gift,” he wrote.
He also acknowledged the support from his family and leadership team, expressing his amazement at their dedication. “While I am strengthened by God’s grace, I am continually inspired by my family and the leadership team around me. Together, we move forward in the work the Lord has set for us,” he stated. He also mentioned the outpouring of love from friends and supporters worldwide, noting the unmistakable presence of God’s faithfulness.
The health incident occurred after Jakes prayed Psalm 19:14 during his Sunday morning sermon. According to The Potter’s House, he experienced a “slight health incident” during his service and received immediate medical attention. The church later confirmed he was stable and being cared for by medical professionals. “We are grateful for the love, prayers, and support from the community,” the church said in a Facebook post.
A video shared on YouTube captured the moment Jakes appeared to struggle physically after expressing his love for preaching. “I still love to preach. I ain’t tired of preaching. I miss you,” Jakes told the congregation, his hand trembling before he prayed.
This health scare coincided with a legal battle Jakes was facing. The day after the incident, he filed a defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood, a former pastor and convicted sex offender. The lawsuit claims Youngblood made false accusations about events that allegedly occurred nearly 40 years ago, as part of a scheme to damage Jakes’ reputation and extort money. Youngblood, a former pastor in Homestead, Pennsylvania, has a history of sexual abuse charges dating back to 2002, and Jakes’ lawsuit portrays him as part of a deliberate effort to deflect blame for his own actions while targeting Jakes.