Podcast Summary:

Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Episode: 4 Ways To Keep It Together When It Seems To Be Falling Apart
Speaker: Richard Roberts (World Harvest Church, Murrieta, CA)
Date: January 29, 2020

Main Theme

Richard Roberts delivers a faith-empowering message on how to remain steadfast and hopeful when life feels chaotic or overwhelming. Drawing from personal stories, biblical accounts, and practical wisdom, Roberts outlines four key ways to “keep it together” when it seems like everything is falling apart. The message is anchored in scripture and brought to life with personal testimony and an encouraging, humorous tone designed to uplift listeners facing their own storms.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

0. Opening & Context (00:01–05:35)

• Richard expresses gratitude to Pastor Nancy Dufresne, the church, staff, and students.
• He shares his joy in teaching and how, as prophesied, he’s now ministering to ministers worldwide.
• Sets the context for the message: lessons learned from ministering around the globe, especially in challenging circumstances.

1. A Life-Altering Earthquake (05:36–11:52)

• Richard details his experience during the 1992 Landers earthquake, staying on the 17th floor with his family.

  “All hell is breaking loose... all of a sudden the devil began to say to me, ‘You’re gonna die. You'll never get out of this hotel.’” (08:54)

• In the midst of panic, God reminds him of his destiny:

  “The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, ‘I’ve called you to 40 nations and you’ve only been to 15. You’re not going to die in an earthquake.’” (09:35)

• Message: Even in literal earthquakes, God’s plan cannot be thwarted.

2. Four Ways to Keep It Together (“Overcoming the Shake, Rattle and Roll”) (11:53–55:43)

1. Consider the Bigger Picture (12:09–16:30)

• Everyone experiences storms in life; they’re not necessarily signs you're out of God's will.
• Example: Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4).

  “He didn't say, let's go under. He said, let’s go over... Jesus knew there was something on the other side.” (14:32)

• Don't blame God for life’s storms—see what He’s doing through them.

2. Acknowledge God Is Still in Control (16:31–23:30)

• The urge to control everything is human, but God is ultimately in charge.
• Biblical example: Paul’s shipwreck on Malta (Acts 27).

  “Paul said, God is in control of this thing. Stick together. Stay on the boat. And they had a faith landing. It wasn't pretty… but they landed.” (20:44)

• “United we stand, divided we fall. America, wake up. Come together.” (18:49)
• Even detours (Malta) are part of the journey to destiny (Rome).

3. Praise God in the Storm (23:31–36:50)

• Praising God isn’t about thanking Him for the problem but praising in the problem.
• Personal testimony: the loss of their infant son.

  “It’s pretty hard to praise God when you’re holding a dead baby in your arms. It seemed like our whole world had come to an end.” (27:30)

• They chose to worship amidst grief, leading to healing and future miracles.

  “That's when you find out what you’re really made of. That’s when you find out if you’re really made of a Christian.” (28:40)

• Their obedience brought healing not just to themselves but many others (Nigeria crusade).

4. The Best Is Yet To Come (36:51–49:05)

• Story of Samaria and the four lepers (2 Kings 7): Faith means moving forward when things look impossible. God can turn a hopeless siege into overnight abundance.

  “God can take the situation and turn it around for his glory and… mercy.” (41:02)

• Skeptics exist, but don’t let discouragement win. If God promises it, it will happen.
• “The best is yet to come. It’s not the ninth inning yet; God’s not finished with you.” (47:22)

3. Faith, Resilience, & Closing Stories (49:06–57:10)

• Faith is “what you hold onto until you receive what you’re believing for.” (50:24)
• Tells an anecdote about a man dressed in white taking a dramatic fall on an escalator, getting up unfazed:

  “He got up, put his hat back on, picked up his cane and said, ‘Well, all right.’ That’s the right attitude!” (52:23)

• Encouragement to keep getting back up, claim authority in Jesus’ name, and not let life's storms define you.

  “Devil, get the hell out of my life. Don’t tell me I can’t say it. I just did. Praise God.” (53:36)

4. Final Encouragement & Powerful Prayer for Listeners (57:11–end)

• The name of Jesus is above every problem; declare authority over every struggle (health, finances, relationships).

  “The Bible says when you resist [the devil], he must flee.” (1:00:05)

• Audience called to affirm their faith:

  “Everybody say it with me: I believe God. Say it like you mean it: I believe God!” (1:01:12)

• Closing with blessings for healing, provision, and unshakeable faith.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Purpose and Destiny:

  “I've called you to 40 nations and you’ve only been to 15. You’re not going to die in an earthquake.” (09:35) — Richard recalls hearing the Holy Spirit in a moment of crisis.

• On Unity:

  “United we stand, divided we fall. America, wake up. Come together.” (18:49) — A call for Christian (and national) unity.

• On Resilience:

  “That’s when you find out what you’re really made of. That’s when you find out if you’re really made of a Christian.” (28:40) — Praising God in pain is the real test.

• On Faith:

  “Faith is what you hold onto until you receive what you’re believing for.” (50:24)

• On Attitude:

  “He got up, put his hat back on, picked up his cane and said, ‘Well, all right.’” (52:23) — After a tumble, exemplifying resilience.

• On Spiritual Authority:

  “Devil, get the hell out of my life. Don’t tell me I can’t say it. I just did. Praise God.” (53:36)

• On Hope:

  “The best is yet to come. It’s not over. It’s not the ninth inning yet. The best is yet to come. God is not finished with you.” (47:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Personal earthquake testimony: 05:36–11:52
• Four keys overview: 11:53–12:09
• 1. Consider the bigger picture: 12:09–16:30
• 2. Acknowledge God is in control: 16:31–23:30
• 3. Praise God in the storm: 23:31–36:50
• 4. The best is yet to come: 36:51–49:05
• Escalator anecdote & resilience: 52:00–53:07
• Authority/confession & final charge: 53:30–57:10
• Closing prayer & blessing: 57:11–end

Takeaways

• Storms are part of everyone’s journey, but God’s purpose stands firm through them.
• Surrender control—God is the true pilot of our lives.
• Praise is a weapon, especially in the darkest hour.
• Faith brings future hope—no matter the depth of the present trial, God's best still lies ahead.

“Consider the bigger picture. Acknowledge God is in control. Praise Him in the midst of the storm. And remember, the best is yet to come.” — Richard Roberts

This replay offers both practical and spiritual steps for facing adversity; it’s a call to faith, action, praise, and resilient hope—reminding believers that storms are not the end, but the beginning of God’s breakthrough.