Episode Summary: Faith and Joy, Part Four | Nancy Dufresne | Jesus The Healer Broadcast
Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Host/Speaker: Nancy Dufresne
Date: April 22, 2019
Episode Overview
This episode, part four of the "Faith and Joy" series, features Pastor Nancy Dufresne teaching on the vital connection between faith and joy in a believer’s life. Drawing from scripture, personal anecdotes, and faith leaders’ stories, Nancy illustrates how joy is an expression and companion of faith, and how both are essential to overcoming life's challenges. She emphasizes the practical steps believers can take to operate in victory, maintain their joy, and strengthen their faith regardless of circumstances.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Faith, Joy, and Peace: The Divine Companions
- Reference: Romans 15:13
- "You can know your faith level by knowing your joy and peace level." (01:15)
- If joy and peace are low, it signals the need to stir up faith.
- Practical step: Start praising, worshipping, and rejoicing to activate faith.
2. Answering Adversity with Authority and Joy
- Believers must learn not just how to talk to God, but also "how to talk to the devil." Use authority, not conversation. (02:00)
- Face financial or life threats by rejoicing, declaring God’s provision, and refusing fear.
3. Testimony: The Pastor and Jesus’ Laughter
- Story of a pastor deeply depressed, visited by Jesus who simply sat and laughed. The pastor joined in the laughter, breaking the oppression. (04:00)
- “Your exit is not to talk about it...your exit is to have faith and express faith. And joy is an expression of faith.” (05:01)
- Memorable Moment: The supernatural remedy was engaging joy, not recounting problems or seeking endless counsel.
4. Kenneth E. Hagin’s “Ha Ha Ha” Faith Method
- Example: Hagin, attacked by heart symptoms, countered by laughing at the devil, declaring, “I already got it!” (08:30)
- Takeaway: Sometimes, “laughing was enough”—a biblical response to destruction and famine (Job reference).
- “At destruction and famine, I will laugh.” (10:24)
- Laughter, as an act of faith, marks a refusal to be intimidated by lack or ruin.
5. Looking Past Opposition – The Jesus Model
- Reference: Hebrews 12:1-3
- “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (16:45)
- Jesus endured hardship by focusing on future joy, not present pain.
- Teaching: Stop looking at the difficulty. By faith, look at the reward and victory on the other side.
6. David and Goliath: Focusing on the Reward
- David’s response to Goliath focused on the benefits—wealth, royalty, exemption for his family—rather than the problem itself. (22:10)
- “He didn't see the big opposition. He saw the reward on the other side.” (24:50)
- Lesson: Walking in faith impacts not just you, but your family and future generations.
7. Faith Is Not Optional—It’s A Lineage
- Demonstrating faith is critical, as it influences children and grandchildren.
- “Faith is not an option. It's how we live.” (26:40)
8. Paul’s Example: Faith for the Sake of Others’ Joy
- Reference: Philippians 1:21-26
- Paul chooses to stay alive for the progress and “joy of faith” of others. (29:12)
- Key Insight: You can have faith, but when it's not coupled with joy, it doesn’t flow fully.
9. Taking Responsibility for Your Joy
- Reference: John 16:22—“Your joy let no man take from you.” (34:40)
- Joy and peace are not contingent on other people's behavior, but on one's own choice.
- Practical Application: Refuse to let others’ negativity dictate your atmosphere.
10. Memorable Illustration: Smith Wigglesworth’s Wife Polly
- Despite opposition at home, Polly maintains joy, which ultimately leads her husband to repentance and restoration with God. (37:00)
- “Your joy, let no man take from you. If someone takes your joy, they'll get your faith.” (39:20)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On faith and feelings:
- “You're always full of something. It might as well be something pleasing. It might as well be something easy to be around.” (00:40)
- On facing the enemy:
- “We talk to God in fellowship. We talk to the devil in authority." (02:17)
- On laughter as spiritual warfare:
- “Laughing was enough.” (09:03)
- “‘At destruction and famine, I will laugh.’ It doesn't say, ‘I will feel like laughing.’ It says, ‘I set my will in motion...I’m going to laugh.’” (12:25)
- On perspective:
- “If you’re stumbling and you're faltering over what's in front of you, quit looking at it. Start looking by faith.” (27:35)
- On generational impact:
- “Whether you walk in faith or not doesn't just affect you. It's going to affect your children and your grandchildren.” (25:38)
- On personal responsibility:
- “Your joy, let no man take from you. If someone takes your joy, they'll get your faith.” (39:20)
Key Timestamps
- 00:40 – Defining the companions: faith, joy, and peace
- 04:00 – Story: Depressed pastor and Jesus’ laughter
- 08:30 – Kenneth E. Hagin’s faith-laughter strategy
- 12:25 – Laughing in the face of destruction and famine
- 16:45 – Hebrews 12: Enduring by focusing on joy set before
- 22:10 – Story: David, Goliath and the reward mindset
- 29:12 – Philippians: Paul’s decision for joyful faith
- 34:40 – Taking personal responsibility for your joy
- 37:00 – Story: Smith and Polly Wigglesworth
- 39:20 – Final admonition: Faith, joy, and love are your companions
Final Thoughts
Nancy Dufresne’s message is clear: faith is evidenced and enhanced by deliberately choosing joy, even in adversity. This choice is a spiritual force, not a fleeting feeling. Both scriptural examples and contemporary stories prove that activating joy in the midst of attack not only signifies faith but also secures victory and impacts generations.