Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Episode: The Proving Of Our Faith | Morgan Dufresne | Tuesday Night's Online Service | 3.24.2020
Date: March 25, 2020
Speaker: Morgan Dufresne

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode, led by Morgan Dufresne, is centered on the biblical principle of "the proving of our faith." In a season where the community is connecting online due to social distancing, the message aims to encourage listeners to exercise and strengthen their faith, especially in uncertain times. Morgan unpacks what it means for our faith to be tested and how believers can actively develop steadfastness through trusting God and acting on His Word, rather than simply understanding circumstances.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Staying Connected & Faithful (00:00–05:30)

• Morgan opens by expressing how important it is for the church community to remain connected, especially online, during physical separation.
• She reminds listeners the role of tithes and offerings is not just ritual, but part of the believer's covenant relationship with God.
  • "It's not an act of generosity to bring your tithe. It is God's. It is me showing God that I believe we are in covenant together and I trust you." (03:25)

2. The Miracle of Willing Giving: The Boy with the Loaves and Fish (05:30–12:40)

• Morgan draws from John 6, retelling the story of the boy who gave his whole lunch to Jesus, leading to a miracle.
• She emphasizes the importance of giving from a willing heart and with thanksgiving.
  • "What seemed like it was not enough was more than enough, because Jesus understood that it's the Father who receives what we give to him. And then he multiplies it." (07:20)
• Listeners are encouraged to express thanks when giving, trusting God to multiply their gifts.

3. Faith as a Way of Life: Not Just Reception, but Action (12:41–20:45)

• Faith is presented as the “key to a successful life,” not merely belief or intellectual agreement, but active, trusting engagement with God’s promises.
• Morgan notes that skepticism dominates culture due to misinformation but insists God's Word stands as true.
  • "We don't have to prove God. God has given us faith and he's going to prove our faith. Life is going to prove whether or not you stand by faith." (14:35)
• She draws on James 1:3 (Amplified): trials prove and develop endurance, steadfastness, and patience in faith.

4. Exercising Faith: The Muscle Analogy (20:46–29:50)

• Morgan compares faith to a muscle: hearing the Word brings faith, but only acting on it develops and strengthens it.
  • "Faith can come, it can show up, it can even be in our hearts, but it can be inactive. And we want to make sure our faith is active." (23:14)
• Neglect leads to undeveloped, “crippled” faith; active exercise through declaration and obedience leads to spiritual strength.

5. Standing in Faith vs. Reasoning in the Mind (29:51–41:00)

• Morgan highlights the danger of shifting from heart-faith to mind-reasoning when facing life’s challenges.
  • "If we attend church and faith is coming, but we're not developing our faith by acting on the word of God… then faith is present, faith comes, faith is there, but it's just hanging there. It's immovable." (24:26)
• She underscores the importance of commanding situations with faith, rather than succumbing to internal or external doubts.

6. The Devil’s Tactic: “What If” as a Suggestion (41:00–48:30)

• The phrase “what if” is identified as Satan’s way of sowing doubt—a suggestion, not a command.
  • "Do you know that every 'what if' that comes to your mind is the devil's opinion? That's his, his option. You can choose not to take his option." (44:10)
• Listeners are told to counteract these suggestions with faith-based commands, drawing authority from God’s Word.
• "We don't live by suggestions. We live by commands." (46:12)

7. Faith’s Work in the Unseen; The Example of David and Goliath (48:31–56:10)

• Faith is for the unseen, for circumstances we can't figure out or predict.
  • "Faith is for what we can't see. Faith is not for what we can see, what we can comprehend. Then we wouldn't need faith." (49:53)
• Morgan uses David's confrontation with Goliath as an example: David’s knowledge of God (from past experiences) defined how he viewed Goliath, not vice versa.
  • "Let what you know of the Word dictate what you think about your world. Don't think about… your world influence the Word that's on the inside of you." (55:12)

8. Final Challenge: Let Faith Lead, Not Circumstances (56:11–End)

• Listeners are challenged for the week: Reflect on what you KNOW of God, and ensure it shapes your view of the world, not the other way around.
• Stand firm and move forward in faith together as a community.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We don't have to prove God. God has given us faith and he's going to prove our faith. Life is going to prove whether or not you stand by faith." (14:35)
• "Faith can come, it can show up, it can even be in our hearts, but it can be inactive. And we want to make sure our faith is active." (23:14)
• "If you hear faith and you never act on those words that are freedom, you will become crippled... you've got faith in your heart, but you're not going anywhere." (28:21)
• "Do you know that every 'what if' that comes to your mind is the devil's opinion? That's his option. You can choose not to take his option." (44:10)
• "Let what you know of the Word dictate what you think about your world. Don't think about… your world influence the Word that's on the inside of you." (55:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Staying Connected & Tithing: 00:00–05:30
• The Boy's Offering (John 6): 05:30–12:40
• Faith as Daily Living: 12:41–20:45
• Faith as a Muscle: 20:46–29:50
• Faith vs. Reasoning: 29:51–41:00
• Dealing with “What If” Doubts: 41:00–48:30
• David & Goliath – Knowing Shapes Thinking: 48:31–56:10
• Final Challenge/Conclusion: 56:11–End

Summary Conclusion

Morgan Dufresne’s message is an impassioned call to action for believers to intentionally exercise their faith, not leave it dormant. She warns against letting circumstances and skeptical thoughts erode trust in God, encouraging listeners to remember God’s faithfulness, act on His Word, and actively answer the “what ifs” of life with the truth of Scripture. The episode is motivational, personable, and practical—aimed at equipping listeners to endure and prevail in faith, no matter the external climate.

Homework Challenge:
"This is our homework for the week... What do you know of God? Are you letting what the world knows and what the world says influence what you know of God? What do you know? Draw on that. Let's exercise our faith together." (56:11)

For more resources or to connect further, listeners are encouraged to visit dufresneministries.org.