Rudy & Jesus

I was watching the story Rudy which is based on a true story. In this story Rudy Ruettiger always had a dream to play football for Notre Dame University.

His family, other friends, did not believe in him. His teachers said that he was not smart enough. Even the priest that he went to on the Notre Dame campus didn't believe in him but gave him the opportunity to attend Holy Cross community college. Where he worked hard and after each school year, he'd apply for Notre Dame University.

You see when I witnessed this story there was a shift that happened where Mr. Ruettiger from speaking about his goals to him going after it. Making the goal to play football for Notre Dame a goal, something tangible to complete. Each semester he was rejected until his senior year. He had rejection from his family, friends, teachers, and more. Yet his eye was on the prize, he worked toward it.

It reminded me of what Paul says in scripture says, "...forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:13-14

Mr. Ruettiger had a chance to internalize the rejection, he had a chance to close in and just have the same doubt others had In him. Yet he did not give up. It reminds me of our walk with the Lord. There are some who will say you can't make the bride, you can't overcome, you are crazy, brainwashed, that church is..."

Don't believe the hype, keep moving forward in the Lord, because the only one who has power with their words, the one who is willing to help you and equip you in your walk with him, is Jesus who is telling you to go, to keep going, fanning the flame of your heart and mind as you grow deeper in him. I have learned that this is the process of increasing your faith. Even your own limiting beliefs cannot change the truth that he began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. The truth is that we are to work with the Lord as we work out the gift of salvation, he has given us. (Philippians 1:6-7) (Philippians 2:12)

Don't believe the hype, the enemy, and your own mind which is naturally against the mind of God. It's not true, there is freedom here, there is love here, there is truth here, there is a chance to live scripture and by doing so daily overcoming.

I pray that you keep your eyes on him, that you continue to expand your vision that the Lord has blessed you with, and lean on him in the grace that he gives while living with accountability and responsibility in the yes. You are stronger than you think you are. Many spectators attempt to persuade you to leave, to walk away from God, but they are just spectators. Jesus, the ministry, and the saints of God are the ones in the arena with you, and that all that matters.

Keep your head up, no matter what the circumstances. Stay within the vine. This is a high calling, and I am thankful that those who are called are the ones who will walk with you as you walk with him. You can make it keep leaning on the Lord. He equips you in every single step. Amen.