Episode Overview
Title: Faith Considers Not | Nancy Dufresne | Jesus the Healer Broadcast
Date: July 23, 2020
Host/Speaker: Nancy Dufresne
In this episode, Pastor Nancy Dufresne explores the pivotal role of unwavering faith in the life of a believer, highlighting lessons from Romans 4 about Abraham’s faith. She emphasizes ignoring the evidence of the senses and circumstances—"considering not"—in order to walk in God’s best promises. The message is rich with stories from Kenneth E. Hagin ("Dad Hagin"), practical faith applications, and encouragement to become skillful in receiving from God.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Lessons From a Vision: God’s Best for His Children
[00:33–05:30]
- Nancy recounts a vision experienced by Kenneth E. Hagin, in which Jesus affirmed, "it's my will that none of my children ever be sick. Never have accidents."
- Jesus outlined three reasons why most believers don’t walk in God’s best:
- They don’t know what belongs to them.
- Many lack faith to receive, even if they do know.
- Disobedience prevents some from receiving.
- Nancy encourages listeners to address these by learning, growing in faith, and walking in obedience.
Quote:
"Very few ever walk in my best. I would say his best was: never have any accidents."
— Nancy Dufresne (summarizing Jesus to Dad Hagin) [02:05]
2. Faith Defined: Calling Things That Are Not
[06:00–10:30]
- Nancy walks through Romans 4:17, explaining the faith principle:
“God… calls those things which be not as though they were.” - She stresses this is the nature of faith: to speak and act on God’s truth regardless of what is visible or felt.
- Faith “calls,” speaks, and aligns identity and expectation with what God has declared, not with current circumstances.
Quote:
"The phrase, 'calls those things which be not as though they were'—that is the definition of faith."
— Nancy Dufresne [07:43]
3. Becoming What God Made You
[10:30–14:45]
- Using Abraham as an example, Nancy teaches that God makes us something by grace (healed, rich, etc.), but it’s our faith that becomes what He has made us.
- She compares this to a child born with musical ability—natural talents need development, just as believers must develop what they receive at the new birth.
- She highlights that we are already made "the healed" and "the rich" because of what Jesus accomplished.
Quote:
"I'm not trying to get healed. I am the healed."
— Nancy Dufresne [11:55]
4. Abraham’s Faith: Considering Not the Natural
[14:45–23:10]
- Nancy teaches from Romans 4:18–21:
- Abraham "considered not his own body" nor Sarah’s old age; he refused to base his faith on natural evidence.
- To keep faith strong, believers must protect their attention and not focus on symptoms or impossibilities.
- Faith is weakened by what we consider; faith is strengthened when we stay focused on God’s word.
Quote:
"How does someone weaken their faith? They consider, or their attention goes to and stays on, the wrong thing."
— Nancy Dufresne [16:10]
- Abraham didn’t factor in his or Sarah’s limitations when believing God’s promise.
Quote:
"If your faith is to be strong, you cannot consider anything about yourself, and you can't consider anything about someone else when you go to believe."
— Nancy Dufresne [18:10]
5. The Practice of "Considering Not"
[23:10–27:34]
- Nancy reads from Kenneth E. Hagin:
- "Consider not" is a spiritual practice and refuge from the devil’s attacks.
- It takes daily discipline to "practice holding your attention off the wrong thing."
- She explains "consider not" is a “heavenly atmosphere” where faith thrives, despite surrounding symptoms or difficulties.
Quote:
"The words 'consider not' are blessed words. They are an unfailing refuge from all the fiery darts the devil casts."
— Kenneth E. Hagin (read by Nancy Dufresne) [24:30]
- Victory is not about the absence of trouble, but about being so focused on God’s promise that circumstances have no influence.
Quote:
"Victory is not the devil leaving you alone, it's you ignoring the devil that is present."
— Nancy Dufresne [26:10]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Faith’s Focus:
"What your attention is on, that's what will flow into your life." — Nancy Dufresne [16:30] -
On Victory and Focus:
"Make the devils watch you eat your victory… How do you do that? Don't consider them. Don't turn around and give them your attention." — Nancy Dufresne [26:15] -
On Joy Regardless of Circumstances:
"I have learned how to be content, satisfied. I am not disturbed or disquieted." — Nancy Dufresne (paraphrasing Paul, Philippians) [27:20]
Key Timestamps for Reference
- 00:33 Introduction to Dad Hagin’s Vision and Jesus’ Words on Divine Health
- 07:43 Defining Faith: Calling Things That Be Not
- 11:55 Living as the Healed and the Rich
- 16:10 How Faith Is Weakened or Strengthened
- 18:10 Not Considering Others’ Limitations in Your Faith
- 24:30 “Consider Not” as Spiritual Discipline (Kenneth E. Hagin reading)
- 26:10 True Victory: Ignoring the Devil’s Presence
Final Thoughts
Nancy Dufresne’s message powerfully explores how faith operates by “considering not” what is seen or felt, but standing steadfast on God’s promises. Drawing deeply from Scripture and spiritual mentors like Kenneth E. Hagin, she exhorts listeners to daily guard their attention, practice spiritual skillfulness, and step bolding into God's best—regardless of circumstance.