FLAMIN’ HOT Producer Explains What Faith Means to Him

Published: August 22, 2024

FLAMIN’ HOT Producer Explains What Faith Means to Him

By Movieguide® Contributor

Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, who also produced last year’s FLAMIN’ HOT, explained what it means to have faith and how God uses broken people.

“Faith is trusting God when life makes no sense,” Rodriguez told CBN. “It’s not when every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed. Faith is going like, ‘I have no idea where I’m going but I’m following you.’ That’s trusting God…You have to let go of your plan B.”

While many people may believe that they can trust God in the hard seasons, they might also think that they need to have their life together before God can use them. Rodriguez explains that this is not the case and points to a Biblical example when Paul saved the lives of hundreds and subsequently ministered to them while he was a prisoner.

“They held on the planks of wood. The Bible says they got to Malta holding on to broken pieces,” Rodriguez said. “Your brokenness does not disqualify you. It actually attracts the grace and mercy of God your way. So believe that even in your brokenness, you are still going to make it.”

This reliance on Christ when nothing else makes sense was highlighted in FLAMIN’ HOT, a movie Rodriguez executive produced last year. The movie tells the story of the rise of a Hispanic janitor at Frito Lay who became an executive at the company after creating the idea for flamin’ hot products. He and his wife rely on Christ throughout this journey and their faith is largely what makes their story so special. A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:

FLAMIN’ HOT is a powerful story of how a poor person can succeed in a free market society. You can succeed if you put your mind to it, especially with a little help from your friends and family. The movie contains strong positive Christian content, though some Christians are hypocritical and must grasp the love of Jesus. FLAMIN’ HOT contains some reverse racism and white stereotypes, however, plus some foul language.

It is encouraging to see Rodriguez use his platform to share inspiring stories and help millions of people build a stronger relationship with Christ.

Movieguide® previously reported on Rodriguez:

“One of the most repeated phrases in Scripture is ‘Go,’’’ Rodriguez shared. “Don’t get stuck behind the wounds of the past, things you did to others or yourself. There’s something greater waiting on the other side. Each of us goes through seasons when we are plow pushers, but we cannot be defined by what we push. We must be defined by what we carry — and that is destiny and purpose.”

He continued, “Those who rise up and say, ‘As for me and my house, we’re going to go,’ these are the individuals who occupy God’s promises. People who, like Elisha, change the world around them for good. It requires audacious faith, tenacity and resilience. We need to get our heart right, which is the place of inspiration; our mind right, which is information; and our hands right, which is impartation.”

“When we are driven by the truth of God’s promises, of who he is, of what he has ordained us to do and to be, then we can go. And that stuck season comes to an end,” he concluded.