Boldness, Part One | Nancy Dufresne | Jesus the Healer Broadcast

Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Date: September 24, 2020

Episode Overview

In this episode, Pastor Nancy Dufresne delivers a compelling teaching about the importance of spiritual boldness in the life of faith. She explores how boldness—distinct from mere personality or human bravado—is a divine force that empowers believers to act on God’s word, especially in times of challenge or unfamiliar circumstances. Drawing from Hebrews 13 and Joshua 1, Nancy lays out why boldness is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God’s power and for stepping into one’s calling, regardless of external opposition or resource limitations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Boldness—A Divine Flow, Not a Personality Trait

• Pastor Nancy emphasizes that biblical boldness is not about being naturally forceful, loud, or unkind.
• Quote [03:30]:
  “We’re not talking about a personality thing. We're not trying to appear to be forceful just so we can look to be people of boldness. But I want you to—we're just going to look at some scriptures in this service…”
• She clarifies that boldness is an outflow of faith and evidence that God’s Word has taken deep root in a believer’s life.

2. Boldness as Evidence of Rooted Faith

• Nancy references Hebrews 13:6 (Amplified) to illustrate how boldness manifests:
  • “So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, the Lord is my helper. I will not be seized with alarm. I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?” [05:10]
• She dissects the scripture, stressing that boldness means being unshakable and anchored, unafraid of opposition or circumstances.
• Quote [07:14]:
  “Boldness is going to be the evidence that the word has taken root in you.”

3. The Practicality of Boldness: Real-Life Example

• Nancy shares a personal story about having to complete major ministry projects after her husband’s passing—a situation outside her expertise involving banks and city officials.
• She describes overcoming intimidation in unfamiliar settings, leaning on God’s help rather than her own knowledge.
• Quote [14:12]:
  “My boldness doesn't come by my setting. My boldness comes by what I know when I go into that setting.”
• Details her reliance on the Holy Spirit for a financial solution, boldly presenting God’s plan to bankers, even after repeated rejection.
  • She recounts presenting God’s plan three times until it was finally accepted. [18:35]
• Stresses the distinction: “Boldness will never put you outside of the flow of love. ...boldness does not mean being speaking to people in a way that's inappropriate.” [16:22]

4. Boldness Is the Action Arm of Faith

• Nancy argues that faith alone is insufficient unless accompanied by the courage to act.
• Quote [21:32]:
  “It won’t matter that you got faith if you don’t have boldness to act on the faith that’s in you.”
• Boldness is what moves a believer from hearing to doing.

5. Scriptural Example: Joshua’s Call to Courage

• Nancy transitions to Joshua 1, where God calls Joshua to lead Israel after Moses’ death—an overwhelming, unenviable task considering the people’s 40 years of disobedience.
• She links God’s command to be strong and courageous to the concept of boldness.
• Quote [29:50]:
  “One definition of boldness is courage. So anytime you see the word ‘courageous,’ you’re also seeing the word ‘boldness.’”
• Nancy notes that even with God’s promise of support, Joshua had to play his part by stepping forward boldly.

6. Courage to Move Forward—When Resources Are Lacking

• Nancy encourages listeners to step out, even when they lack natural resources, if God has given clear direction.
• Uses examples such as starting businesses or buying a home as acts that often require bold action despite perceived lack.
• Quote [35:50]:
  “It doesn’t matter what the resources say. It matters what God says. And it takes boldness to step out and start a business when you know you don’t have enough money to fund it. But God said.”
• She asserts that God’s instructions provide the only foundation necessary for boldness.

7. Stepping Into the Future with Boldness

• Nancy shares a story about her husband Ed’s faith-filled, bold approach to acquiring a family home with no money down—underscoring that sometimes all God needs is our bold response.
• Closes with an exhortation:
  • Quote [39:10]:
    “Your future is waiting for your boldness to arrive. Be there with your boldness. Amen.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Power is God’s part, but boldness is our part.” [02:10]
• “When you have settled the word in you, you come out bold… Our boldness is to be an outflow of what is in us.” [09:40]
• “It does matter how we approach something.” [12:15]
• On God’s guidance:
  “What wasn’t foreign to me was what God said.” [15:02]
• On negotiation:
  “If they haven’t agreed yet, they haven’t heard it enough. So I repeated it again.” [18:50]
• On courage:
  “Courage is man’s part. And it’s not a human natural courage. It’s a courage that comes from knowing God.” [31:55]

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Introduction to boldness as integral to faith and last-days revival | | 03:30 | Clarifying boldness vs. personality and natural assertiveness | | 05:10 | Hebrews 13:6—Boldness as a declaration of faith | | 12:15 | Illustration: Facing intimidating circumstances after husband’s passing | | 15:02 | Relying on Holy Spirit’s direction vs. own knowledge | | 18:35 | Persevering in boldness (“If they haven’t agreed yet, they haven’t heard it enough”) | | 21:32 | Boldness as faith in action | | 29:50 | Joshua 1—God’s commission: “Be strong and very courageous” | | 35:50 | Stepping out without resources, only God’s word | | 39:10 | Ed Dufresne’s story and closing exhortation |

Conclusion

Pastor Nancy Dufresne’s teaching on boldness is a stirring call to believers to not only trust God’s promises, but to step out in faith-fueled courage—regardless of circumstances or perceived limitations. Boldness, as she asserts, is not about personality or rudeness but is a divine, loving confidence rooted in the certainty of God’s word. The message concludes by challenging listeners to recognize that their destinies require their bold participation, echoing the resounding truth: “Your future is waiting for your boldness to arrive. Be there with your boldness. Amen.” [39:10]