We conclude our annual At The Movies series by exploring the spiritual truths found in the real-life Hollywood hit and inspiring movie, American Underdog. This movie is derived from the American biographical sports film about National Football League MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner. He went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming an American Football star.

Let's set this movie up, and then we'll dive into its connection to Scripture. If you haven't seen the movie yet - be warned, this article contains spoilers!

DREAMING BIG 

American Underdog shares powerful keys of hope, dreams, courage, perseverance, and faith - but none of it comes without hardships. Kurt loved football, and his dream was to become an NFL player, but after years of not being drafted, he had no choice but to take a job stocking shelves at a local grocery store. At first glance, this may look and sound like defeat. But have you ever had a dream, goal, or vision for your life? And everything that could go wrong did? Did it stop you from pursuing your dream?

LIFE HAPPENS 

In the process of Kurt's life, he met and married a woman named Brenda, who had trust issues. She's a divorced mother of two. This real-life movie shows us the bond between Kurt and Brenda's legally blind son, Zach. Throughout the film, Kurt's relationship with the game of football intersects with his relationship with God. Despite every hardship and disappointment Kurt faced, he never gave up on his dream of becoming an NFL player one day. Everyone knows what it's like to have a plan, a goal, or a vision for your life, but you continue to see time passing by while your dream remains unfulfilled. It's easy to give up on pursuing your dream and going after what you desire for yourself. But, the Bible puts it this way in Galatians 6:9:  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” 

YOU HAVE A CHOICE: PURSUE OR GIVE UP

Have you ever wondered why God would give you a dream that won't come to fruition? Kurt undoubtedly pondered this question after his dream of becoming an NFL football player seemed impossible. Finally, he had a decision to make; with all the obstacles standing in his way, people on and off the field doubted his ability to succeed. He could have given up after his family and friends tried to deter him from his dream, but his faith insisted that he keep going! 

Like Kurt in American Underdog, is there something in your life that you need to keep pursuing? Don't let life's obstacles prohibit you from going after what's in your heart. Not all roadblocks are working against you, but rather, maybe your troubles are working together for your good! You can take heart from what Scripture tells us in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

When it comes to accomplishing your dreams, there comes a time when you have to do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do! This was the choice that both Kurt and Brenda made; while waiting for their dream to become a reality, they had to make some tough decisions. Kurt started working the graveyard shift at a local supermarket while Brenda attended nursing school during the day. They both had big dreams and decided to do what was necessary until things changed in their lives. Kurt continued to train. He never stopped practicing football. There’s a lesson here for us. Whatever your dreams are, keep practicing. Keep sharpening your skills in your pursued area. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” So, stay in a ready posture, so when the realization of your dream presents itself, you will be prepared to walk in it! 

IT WILL HAPPEN!

As we see in this real-life story, Kurt's dream finally comes to life, despite having a hard time getting agents or NFL teams to notice him for a long time. Desperate to keep his dream alive, he goes into Arena Football which contains smaller fields than the NFL's; its description was compared to that of a circus. None of this mattered, and because he was so good on the field, he was noticed and later picked up by the St. Louis Rams, leading them into a Super Bowl Championship! Keep this in mind as you wait for your dreams to come to pass - Life may label you an UNDERDOG, but FAITH crowns you a CHAMPION! 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For additional, related content from Liquid Church, check out the resources below:

• MESSAGE: For the full message from Part 4 of Liquid Church's At The Movies Series, Click Here
• MESSAGE: For the full message from Part 3 of Liquid Church’s At The Movies Series, Click Here
• ARTICLE: For Spiritual Takeaways from Part 1 of Liquid Church’s At The Movies with Top Gun: Maverick - Click Here