Podcast Summary: Jesus the Healer w/ Nancy Dufresne – Episode 147 | Victory Over Grief
Date: January 24, 2023
Host: Nancy Dufresne, Dufresne Ministries
Topic: Victory Over Grief
Overview
In this episode, Nancy Dufresne addresses how believers can experience “victory over grief” by choosing to draw on the spiritual flows of righteousness, peace, and joy present within them as a result of their relationship with Christ. She shares personal experiences, scriptural insights, and practical steps, encouraging listeners to live “days of heaven on earth” despite challenges, including tragedy and loss.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
The Power and Presence of God’s Flow (00:00–05:50)
- God’s power and healing are always present for believers, even in the most challenging circumstances (“There’s enough power in every sick room and in every hospital room to raise up that sick one…” [00:00]).
- The importance of expecting and receiving what God has made available.
- Encouragement to actively note and remember what God speaks to you during these teachings.
Understanding “The Kingdom Within” (05:50–11:10)
- Reference to Luke 17:21 and Romans 14:17: The kingdom of God is within believers and is defined as “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
- These are not just concepts—they are real forces and flows within believers meant for daily life (“Those are flows that belong to us…they are forces, but they are also flows. Why? So that we can live the best life.” [05:55]).
Choosing Your Flow Amidst Life’s Circumstances (11:10–19:00)
- The world constantly offers negative flows—fear, worry, doubt, unbelief—but believers have the authority and ability to choose the flow coming from God within them.
- Drawing on righteousness instead of condemnation: actively reminding yourself that your sins are covered by Christ (“You say, ‘No, you don’t. You’re not going to bring up my past sins… They’re under the blood.’” [11:40]).
- The importance of speaking and thinking right to draw upon these resources.
“Days of Heaven on Earth”: Living Above Circumstances (19:00–28:00)
- Deuteronomy 11:21—God’s promise that we can live “days of heaven upon the earth.”
- This promise is not automatic; it requires intentionally turning towards the kingdom flows within.
- Personal example: Nancy explains that her most difficult days were before she renewed her mind with the Word, highlighting the transformative power of understanding and doing God’s Word.
Notable Quote
“As our mind is renewed...life becomes easier. And we end up living days of heaven on earth.”
—Nancy Dufresne [22:40]
Responding to Tragedy: The Choice to Overcome Grief (28:00–39:20)
- Nancy recounts the sudden loss of her husband, marking it as her “greatest tragedy,” but not her “darkest day,” because she chose God’s flow over grief.
- The ability to choose faith and the outcome of one's own life, even when external events are beyond control (“The day of that tragedy…I had a choice to make. Am I going to yield to emotions that will lead me into a dark place?” [31:25]).
- Choosing “life” and “blessing,” not “death” and “cursing,” in accordance with Deuteronomy 30:19.
Notable Quote
"My husband left my life that day, but my choice didn’t. I still had a choice. No devil can take your choice from you."
—Nancy Dufresne [34:00]
Grief and Honor: A Christ-Centered Perspective (39:20–45:40)
- Addressing criticism: Some say not grieving is “disrespectful,” but Nancy counters that grief and sorrow are not honorable flows—Jesus redeemed us from them (“If grief was a flow of honor, if sorrow was a flow of honor, why did Jesus come redeem us from it?” [41:30]).
- True honor comes from being a doer of the Word, not from embracing grief.
Cultivating and Practicing the Right Flow (45:40–54:10)
- Regular practice of choosing righteous, peaceful, and joyful responses in small matters prepares you for larger trials (“Practice choosing the right flow in the little things of life…when the more dramatic circumstances show up, you’re already practiced at the perfect flow.” [47:40]).
- “Perfect practice makes perfect,” drawing from her experience as a music student.
- The flow within us—Christ’s flow—is perfect; our skill lies in repeatedly choosing it.
Notable Quote
“We’re not perfect, but the flow within us is perfect. Learn to choose it perfectly and you’ll always enjoy days of heaven on earth.”
—Nancy Dufresne [48:50]
The Ripple Effect of Our Choices (54:10–57:30)
- How we handle personal losses affects not only ourselves but also our family, congregation, and others around us (“When we choose the right flow, it not only blesses our life, then He turns around and rewards us for choosing the right flow.” [55:20]).
- God rewarded Nancy for her faith-filled response after her husband’s passing by blessing her with a new home.
Defeating Condemnation and Cultivating Identity in Christ (57:30–01:03:00)
- The devil’s tactic is to point to failures and incite a negative, self-accusatory mindset—but believers must continually choose the “righteousness flow.”
- Encourage yourself with scriptures about your identity in Christ (reference to her “In Him Scriptures” resource).
Notable Quote
“A bad self-image can be completely run out of your life by you reminding yourself, ‘I’m the righteousness of God.’ It’s not about what I’ve done right, it’s about He made me right.”
—Nancy Dufresne [01:02:10]
Emotions in the Christian Life (01:03:00–01:05:50)
- Emotions are not guides or leaders, but merely “color” for life; a believer’s choices should stem from the Word and Spirit.
Stirring Up God’s Gifts Within (01:05:50–end)
- All spiritual resources must be “stirred up” through words, praise, and continual meditation on the truth (“You say, pastor Nancy, how do I stir them up? With your words…” [01:06:10]).
- When you talk, meditate, and praise God for what’s in you, those flows become activated and strong.
Notable Quote
“What is stirred is what’s going to flow. If the flow isn’t very strong, stir it up more.”
—Nancy Dufresne [01:07:10]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- On facing tragedy: “My husband left my life that day, but my choice didn’t. I still had a choice.” [34:00]
- On honoring others: “The way to honor my husband was not to grieve that he wasn’t here, because that’s not going to change anything. The way to honor him is to be a doer of the Word.” [43:40]
- On skillfulness: “We’re not perfect, but the flow within us is perfect.” [48:50]
- On stoking what’s inside: “What is stirred is what’s going to flow. If the flow isn’t very strong, stir it up more.” [01:07:10]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00 – God’s power is present—receiving what is already ours.
- 05:50 – The kingdom within: righteousness, peace, joy.
- 11:40 – How to draw on righteousness in times of accusation.
- 19:00 – Days of heaven upon earth: choosing the right flow.
- 28:00 – Responding to tragedy; Nancy’s personal story.
- 34:00 – The devil can’t steal your power of choice.
- 41:30 – Honor through faith, not grief.
- 47:40 – Practicing right choices in daily life.
- 55:20 – God’s reward for choosing right even in grief.
- 57:30 – Defeating condemnation; cultivating self-image in Christ.
- 01:06:10 – Stirring up the gifts within you.
Closing Reminders
- Victory over grief is possible by choosing and activating the flows of righteousness, peace, and joy. This choice is intentional, practical, and rooted in your words and thought life. Circumstances do not define your flow—your choices do.
- Model choosing the right flow for others—children, congregations, and peers look to your example.
- Practical step: Use “In Him Scriptures” (available at dufresneministries.org) to feed your identity in Christ.
Tone: Uplifting, faith-filled, practical, and compassionate—consistent with Pastor Nancy’s direct ministry style.
For more teaching and resources, visit: dufresneministries.org