Faith Conversation with Randy Shippy: Embracing God's Plan and Living for Christ
In a heartfelt and inspiring faith conversation, Randy Shippy shares his journey of faith, life, and ministry. From beginnings in South Dakota to the rodeo arena, Randy illustrates the importance of trusting God's plan, living authentically, and surrounding oneself with godly influences. His story reminds us that no matter our past mistakes or current struggles, God's grace covers all, and His purpose for us is greater than we can imagine.
Growing Up in Faith
Randy was born and raised in a small town called Colome, South Dakota. His early years were rooted in a country church, Calvary Chapel, where he first learned about Christ and accepted Him into his heart during Vacation Bible School (VBS). Like many young believers, he admits to straying at times, enticed by worldly pleasures, but God's unwavering love always brought him back.
He highlights the significance of faithful pastors who preach from the Word, emphasizing that "preach, preach from the Word—that's the biggest thing." His father, Roger, exemplifies a servant-hearted man who loves the Lord and lives daily in His Word, inspiring Randy's walk with Christ.
Overcoming Challenges and Trusting God's Plan
Randy's passion was to ride bulls and pursue rodeo stardom. However, injuries thwarted those dreams, tearing his groin muscle multiple times. Reflecting on this, he shares, "If it hadn't been for the injuries and not being able to follow that dream, I don't know where I'd be today." He recognizes that God's ways are higher than ours, quoting Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
This realization brought him peace, knowing that God's purpose surpasses our understanding. His testimony encourages believers to trust God's plan, even when there are hardships, because "His ways are higher than our ways."
Living Out Faith Daily
Randy emphasizes that faith isn't just about Sunday mornings but about daily walk and attitude. Whether working on his farm, building fences, or interacting with others, he strives to do all things unto the Lord, referencing Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
He shares how his sign "Jesus is Lord" on his trailer opens doors for conversations about Christ and serves as a reminder to represent Him well. Randy advocates for Christians to be authentic, walking the walk and talking the talk—"Let your walk talk louder than your talk talks" (from Pastor Don Anders).
The Power of Prayer and Community
Randy's life is filled with prayer—waking in the middle of the night to pray, praying during calving season, and lifting others up regularly. He underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded believers, citing Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
He shares the significance of fellowship, Bible studies, and having godly friends who encourage and challenge him. Prayer, he affirms, has power: "We may never see it, but God is working."
Raising Kids in the Faith
As a father, Randy believes that children are our primary ministry. He reminds us of Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go," and shares how he and his wife intentionally include prayer, church attendance, and setting a God-honoring example.
His children have professed Christ and been baptized voluntarily, reflecting that authentic faith is caught more than taught. Randy admits that he still stumbles, but his goal is to model Christ's love and grace.
Living with Purpose and No Regrets
Looking back, Randy wishes he could have waited until marriage to pursue certain relationships but trusts that God's grace covers all. His overarching message is to give everything to Jesus, trusting that "life is hard, but it's so much harder without Christ." He encourages everyone to surrender their lives to Him today, quoting Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Closing Words
Randy's conversation is a testament to God's transformative power. His life exemplifies that no matter how many mistakes we've made, God's blood covers all, and we are made new through His grace. He urges believers to stay in His Word, pray fervently, and live boldly for Christ—"give Him your all because life without Him is too hard." Remember, as Randy reminds us, “We are made new; His blood has covered all.” Let this be a call to deepen your walk with Jesus and embrace His purpose for your life.
Bible Verses Referenced:
Isaiah 55:8-9 — "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
Colossians 3:23 — "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
Proverbs 27:17 — "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Proverbs 22:6 — "Train up a child in the way he should go."
Romans 10:9 — "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
This faith conversation with Randy Shippy encourages us all to trust God's plan, live authentically, and love others with the love of Christ.
https://www.shippyrodeobulls.com/
More about Randy and Shippy Rodeo Bulls
Randy Shippy A CHRISTIAN Cowboy and Stock contractor working at raising a Godly family and producing Rank bulls!!
ShippyRodeo Bulls began in 1996 with a spark and a standout calf. Randy purchased a purebred Limousin bull calf for practice, never imagining that young bull — later named #S4 Ruby Red — would become a legend. Ruby was bucked in the practice pen until he was three years old. By then, it was clear: Ruby wasn’t just any bull — he was something special. In 1998, after an injury ended Randy's riding career, he shifted focus to raising and hauling bucking bulls. That same year, he began hauling bulls to open bull ridings, and by 1999, he had earned his SDRA and NRCA contracting cards. That year, Ruby Red and two other bulls were selected to compete at both associations’ finals. Later in 1999, Randy expanded his program by purchasing nine yearling Plummer bulls from Ronnie Roach, including #938 Baby Brother, a maternal half-brother to the legendary herd sire, Spook. This group also included future stars 007 Secret Agent, 77 Stone Cold, and 28 Livewire. In 2000, Randy married Jennie on her family’s ranch in Wyoming, and that same year, Ruby Red hit the PBR circuit, becoming an instant fan favorite. Ruby went unridden in PBR competition, throwing off the likes of JW Hart, Cody Hart, Tater Porter, Ross Coleman, and Danny Varnadore. He was even selected as the Mossy Oak Shootout Bull in Grand Rapids, MI. Tragically, in the fall of 2000, Ruby broke and dislocated his front knee just before the PBR Finals. Despite the injury, he still made Cody Lambert’s Top 10 Rankest Bulls list of the year. By spring 2001, the first Plummer cross calves from S4 Ruby Red and Chili Pepper daughters were hitting the ground — the start of a bloodline that continues to shape our program today. We have truly been blessed to do what we love for more than 20 years. One of our proudest moments came in 2004 with the purchase of 13 Unhappy Gilmore (aka Big Deal) from Dibbet’s in Iowa. At just three years old, he was sold for an industry-leading $65,000 — the highest sale for a 3-year-old bucking bull at the time. He went on to win the 2004 ABBI Classic Championship and was the 2005 Reserve Classic Champion. Semen from him and other proven bulls is now available through our program. We’ve also experienced loss. In July 2004, 007 Secret Agent, a foundational sire, was tragically struck by lightning. Though gone too soon, his legacy lives on through his sons and grandsons — every one of them bucks. Two of his sons were sold to Texas for $27,500 each and went on to compete at the NFR. Today, we continue to breed and raise top-tier bucking bulls with a strong focus on performance and pedigree. We’re currently breeding to sires like 05/E Disco Inferno (60-3 Inferno x Page 45/B) and select home-raised bulls that carry forward our legacy of power, heart, and consistency. Over the years, we’ve made lifelong friends, partnered with incredible people, and been proud to see Shippy-raised bulls compete at the highest levels in PBR, PRCA, and beyond. We hosted our first public production sale in 2008, and while we now primarily sell online and by private treaty, our commitment to quality and honesty hasn’t changed.