Her father’s name may be more recognizable than hers, but Cora Jakes Coleman—daughter of famed preacher T.D. Jakes—is developing her own spiritual legacy. In her new book, Faithing It, Coleman details how she has clung to faith in God’s promises, despite the odds stacked against her.
When she was 10, Coleman says God gave her a dream of the son she would have, a little boy named Nehemiah. But 12 years later, after a devastating car crash, Coleman discovered her reproductive system was on the verge of shutting down.
Coleman was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. The diagnosis put Coleman in the ranks of nearly 5 million women in the United States alone. But rather than doubting the promises of God, she continues to believe that God will fulfill the dream He gave her.
“I know what God promised me,” Coleman says. “I stand on promises of God and will not waver based on what the world was saying.”
Now the executive director of the children’s ministry at Potter’s House, Coleman is using her testimony to show others how to connect with God, even if they can’t see His hand at work. Through her battle, Coleman says she realized how God made her the face for people who have been shaken in their faith.
She says she believes God will use her book to remind others of His promises to them.
“I literally talked to God and asked Him to show me what to say to the people,” Coleman says. “(I want it to) be a revolution for whoever is reading it. As I was writing it, I could literally see people crying, rejoicing over it, seeing their faith being strengthened by it.”
For believers enduring trials, Coleman offers three steps. First, believers must honestly face the emotional discouragement and anger. Second, believers need to forgive, lest they drown themselves in unforgiveness. Finally, believers need to get moving and put their faith into action.
“We have to not allow our situations to make us stagnant in life,” Coleman says. “If we don’t have enemies, we don’t have stepping stools. If we don’t have situations, we don’t have stories to tell.” —Jessilyn Justice
