“If God has given you a mission, you must be tough enough to handle what people say and still not be distracted while doing what you were created to do. Are you tough enough? God and the enemy know the truth about you, and remember even great people doing great things for great causes meet negative criticisms. All criticism is not bad, just like all flattery is not good. Many times people don’t criticize you because they are evil; they do it because they have been trained to think anyone who doesn't perceive and see things in the same manner is an enemy. The critic is a prisoner to his own experiences and perspectives, erroneously believing his limited experiences are the sum of all truth. When you acknowledge your critics, you give them your power and validate their words. They are not important until you respond.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Much like the removal of moles and skin lesions is done to prevent them from growing into more serious skin abnormalities, removing minor discord before it becomes a calamity is an important use of our time. Most people don’t like to make waves and they swallow frustration and bury true feelings, not wanting to compromise temporary tranquility, never realizing that massive turmoil doesn’t start out massive—it grows beneath the skin like a cancer that could have been avoided with early detection.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Sometimes we esteem others more important than ourselves. We always become the martyr. It is wonderful to be self-sacrificing, but watch out for self-disdain! If we don’t apply some of the medicine that we use on others to strengthen ourselves, our patients will be healed and we will be dying.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Don’t leave your God-given gifts unopened. Don’t leave this planet having missed the great opportunities God has for you. Rip off the lid of your abilities, tear into that box that is your talents, and use every gift God has given you. Devote yourself to fulfilling the unique purpose that is your destiny.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“You cannot partake of the power of Christ’s resurrection unless you are first willing to lay down your own will and desires, and die to all your pride and independence.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Jealousy is the manifestation of insecurity and dissatisfaction with one’s calling and self-worth.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Avoid getting into isolated groups because you will miss the move of God. Shun cliques because they are the bundles. Endeavor to stay in the mainstream of the move of God.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“No woman wants to be in submission to a man who isn't in submission to God!”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Second, the biblical principle of “ask, seek, and knock” is prudent advice for gaining a higher level of access.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Unforgiveness denies the victim the possibility of parole and leaves them stuck in the prison of what was, incarcerating them in their trauma and relinquishing the chance to escape beyond the pain.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Hardship can humble you, but it cannot break you unless you let it. Your instinct for survival will see you through if you’re attuned to its frequency. Instinct will find a temporary stopgap without ever taking its sights off your larger goals. There’s no greater way to hone your instincts than to overcome adversity.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“Often after years of deep investment into others we are shocked and disappointed that they simply didn’t get who we really are.”
―
T.D. Jakes
“You never know what you might discover by thinking outside the box that culture, conformity, and critics have tried to impose.”
―
T.D. Jakes