Devotionals

Being Made In Jesus' Image

by Rick Gregory 
04/21/25
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30 years ago, I wrote about a friend — actually three friends. Jerry was the name in the article, but you could exchange his name for either of the others. Each of them inspired and challenged me by his walk with God and the way he treated work, life and his family. Each of them was a “real man Christian.” Each of them worked hard, played hard, and walked humbly with his God, marvelously demonstrating the prophet’s shout “ . . . He has told you what is good. And this is what the Lord requires of you; to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 NLT). That’s what Jerry’s life looked like. It’s what Doug’s life looked like. And that’s what Maynard’s life looked like.

Three men with whom I rejoiced and wept, with whom we together engaged the enemy of our souls as we confronted life and raised our kids. And now, nearly 50 years later, each of them is suffering. Here’s what is crazy. They don’t complain. Sure, they might get frustrated with the limitations they’re now experiencing. But they’re not asking, “Why? Why me?” 

Maynard recently learned he has ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. His life and mobility stolen, and unless he’s healed, the oncoming years will bring unspeakable decline. 

Jerry has suffered 15 years of neurological and physical issues that have rendered him housebound and in a motorized chair for the last 5 years.

Doug was talking to me this morning from his hospital bed, dealing with heart disease.

But none of them complain. None of them ask, “Why?” Instead, they act like Jesus as Peter described, “ . . . when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (I Pet 2:24 NIV)

Do you want to be like them? Do you want to entrust yourself to the One who judges justly? I know I do!

Rick is the well-loved husband of Sherry for over 53 years, dad to 3 remarkable children and their spouses, and Poppy to 8 beautiful grandchildren.