He delivered a powerful message.
On New Year’s Eve, Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House in Dallas made a heartfelt return to the pulpit after facing a serious medical emergency during a sermon in November. What was initially described as a minor health problem turned out to be a life-threatening situation that required urgent surgery. According to Jakes, doctors warned that if his medical team had delayed getting him help by just five minutes, the outcome could have been fatal. Addressing his congregation, he admitted to feeling apprehensive about standing in the same place where his health crisis had occurred.
While Jakes refrained from disclosing the specific nature of his condition, he implied that it might have involved his heart. He expressed profound gratitude toward Dr. Joseph Amos, who stayed by his side for an entire day after the operation to ensure his heart was functioning properly. Jakes reflected on the difficult hours he spent in surgery, acknowledging that he was near death more than once. He attributed his survival to divine intervention and the continuous prayers of his church community.
Jakes shared that he was unaware of how severe the incident looked until he saw a recording of it during his hospital stay. While those present witnessed him collapse, Jakes described feeling enveloped by a sense of peace, unaware of the gravity of the situation. Watching the footage for the first time in the hospital allowed him to grasp what others had seen during the frightening moment.
Adding a touch of humor to his testimony, Jakes called himself “Bishop Lazarus” as a nod to his remarkable recovery. He also addressed circulating rumors that he had suffered a stroke or even passed away, humorously dismissing them. Jakes concluded by thanking God and commending his congregation for their fervent prayers, emphasizing how much their support had carried him through this difficult chapter.