Podcast Summary: "Jesus the Healer w/ Nancy Dufresne"
Episode 056 | Rejoicing In Trials
Release Date: September 19, 2022
Host/Author: Dufresne Ministries

Introduction

In episode 056 of "Jesus the Healer," hosted by Nancy Dufresne of Dufresne Ministries, the focus centers on the theme of "Rejoicing in Trials." Released on September 19, 2022, the episode delves deeply into understanding how believers can maintain faith and joy amidst life's challenges, emphasizing the power of a sound mind grounded in Scripture.

Embracing the Present Power (00:10 - 01:19)

Nancy Dufresne opens the session by addressing those in illness or hardship, assuring them of the divine power present in every "sick room and hospital room." She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and receiving God's power in the present moment:

"Say, I receive that power. I receive that power. I receive it right now from the top of my head. From the top of my head. The soles of my feet." [00:10]

She welcomes listeners to engage actively with the Word, encouraging them to use a Bible and notepad to capture divine messages.

The Importance of a Sound Mind (01:19 - 05:05)

Nancy transitions to discussing the significance of the mind in a believer's life. She cites 2 Timothy 1:7, highlighting that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind:

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear... He's given us power... He's given us a sound mind." [01:34]

She elaborates on the characteristics of a sound mind as described in the Amplified Classic Translation—calm, balanced, disciplined, and controlled—stressing that believers must actively manage their thought life:

"It's a calm mind. It says it's a well-balanced mind, a disciplined mind, a controlled mind." [02:57]

Nancy underscores the necessity of exercising control over one's thoughts to protect the sound mind from negative influences and attacks.

Facing Trials with Faith (05:07 - 09:26)

Delving deeper, Nancy discusses the presence of tests and trials in a believer's life, regardless of their spiritual standing:

"Just because you're born again doesn't mean you're eliminated from having tests." [05:07]

She references 1 Peter 4:12, encouraging believers not to find it strange to face fiery trials but to rejoice because these tests validate the quality of their faith:

"Beloved, think it not strange... But rejoice." [06:15]

Nancy emphasizes that adversity doesn't signify a failing faith but rather an opportunity to demonstrate steadfast belief, thereby ensuring eventual victory.

The Role of the Local Church (09:27 - 17:31)

Nancy shifts focus to the importance of being part of a local church community. She explains that as believers grow and receive more revelation, opposition increases as the enemy seeks to disrupt their spiritual advancement:

"When you start finding out who you are in Christ, what the Word says about you, I guarantee you he's going to oppose you." [11:51]

She likens the local church to a school setting, essential for spiritual education and fortification against drifting from God's plan:

"The local church is to the believer's life what a school setting is to a young person's life." [14:20]

Nancy stresses the necessity of surrounding oneself with fellow believers who uphold and stand on the Word, thereby strengthening one's faith and resilience against attacks.

Overcoming Opposition Through Victory in Christ (17:31 - 25:00)

Focusing on spiritual warfare, Nancy elaborates on how believers are part of an "occupying army" empowered by Christ's victory. She uses 1 John 4:4 to assert that the greater One within believers surpasses any worldly opposition:

"Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." [23:56]

Nancy encourages believers to respond to the enemy's attacks not with personal effort but by firmly standing on the victory already secured by Jesus. She advises:

"Your job is to say, satan, Jesus already whipped you." [22:13]

This authority allows believers to silence and dismiss the enemy's attempts to undermine their faith and progress.

Rejoicing as an Act of Faith (25:00 - 27:16)

Concluding the segment, Nancy highlights Philippians 1:28, urging believers to remain fearless and steadfast in the face of opposition:

"Do not for a moment be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries." [25:00]

She reinforces that true rejoicing stems from an unshakeable belief in God's deliverance and salvation, not merely from present circumstances. Nancy underscores the importance of continual engagement with the Word to build and sustain full, bold faith:

"Full faith does not come with one hearing. Full faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." [27:10]

Closing Remarks (27:16 - 28:06)

Nancy wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to obtain their copy of "A Sound, Disciplined Mind" to further cultivate their faith. She encourages reaching out to Dufresne Ministries for prayer support and announces upcoming events, including an annual ladies conference.

"Remember this Jesus is the healer. God bless you." [27:23]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• 02:57 – "It's a calm mind. It says it's a well-balanced mind, a disciplined mind, a controlled mind."
• 05:07 – "Just because you're born again doesn't mean you're eliminated from having tests."
• 06:15 – "Beloved, think it not strange... But rejoice."
• 11:51 – "When you start finding out who you are in Christ, what the Word says about you, I guarantee you he's going to oppose you."
• 14:20 – "The local church is to the believer's life what a school setting is to a young person's life."
• 22:13 – "Your job is to say, satan, Jesus already whipped you."
• 23:56 – "Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world."
• 25:00 – "Do not for a moment be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries."
• 27:23 – "Remember this Jesus is the healer. God bless you."

Key Takeaways

1. Sound Mind: Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a disciplined and controlled mind, aligning thoughts with God's Word to navigate life's challenges effectively.

2. Faith Amidst Trials: Highlights that tests are not indicators of failing faith but opportunities to demonstrate and strengthen one's belief, assuring eventual victory.

3. Role of the Church: Stresses the necessity of being part of a local church community for spiritual education, support, and fortification against opposition.

4. Spiritual Warfare: Teaches that believers are empowered by Christ’s victory and hold authority over the enemy, encouraging them to stand firm and declare victory.

5. Rejoicing in Adversity: Encourages rejoicing as a powerful act of faith, rooted in the assurance of God's salvation and deliverance, regardless of present circumstances.

Conclusion

Episode 056 of "Jesus the Healer" with Nancy Dufresne serves as a comprehensive guide for believers facing trials, offering biblical insights and practical advice on maintaining faith, rejoicing in adversity, and leveraging the power of a sound mind. By grounding listeners in Scripture and emphasizing the strength found in community and divine authority, Nancy equips her audience to navigate life's challenges with resilience and unwavering joy.