Saturday, January 20, 2007

When I think about the story of Job, there are obviously many major themes that stand out to me...
  • God and satan having a conversation about one of God's faithful
  • Satan launching an all out attack on Job and his family
  • Job's friends trying to offer "help" by trying to put God in a box
  • God showing up and setting things straight about Who He is and Who He is not
  • Job reaping bountiful blessings after satan's attempt to jade his heart

*(FYI: Since I don't like the devil so very much, I don't believe he deserves a capital letter at the beginning of his name!)

But another theme that shines through when we are blessed with the entire story from beginning to end is God's faithfulness to use Job's story as a forewarning to us, readers years later, warning us that satan is real and he desires to destroy our lives with havoc here on earth...You see, before I even got pregnant with Noah, Jason and I knew that the upcoming year would have major changes for us. I even spoke with my friend from our old church about it because even though I didn't know what those changes were, I knew I would need to step down from my responsibilities on the women's council. Jason and I had talked about moving, travels, possible job change. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew that would bring change but I knew it wasn't the specific change God was talking of. When Jason accepted a new job, we knew that was only part of it. Even when Noah was born and sleep was obsolete, it wasn't the change God had warned us of. Just like in Job's story, God knew that satan would try his darndest to destroy Job's love and passion for Him. We had Grace. We were given God's word, through Job's experience, to see that we live in a fallen world and that the devil will try anything to discourage us. No, that's stating it lightly...he'll do anything so that hell isn't an empty place with him sitting there all alone. So, back to our story, God graciously provided for us for the season passed and for whatever lies ahead. He blessed me with a healthy pregnancy. He blessed Jason with a new job working from home. Throughout the entire time we were in the hospital with Noah, God kept bringing to mind scripture after scripture to encourage us and lift our hearts. One in particular was that anything that is hidden will be brought to light. He is faithful. He exposes darkness. The Lord exposes the schemes of the enemy so that what he thinks is done in secret is really not a secret at all. There is no such thing as a secret if God is all-knowing, now is there? If we aren't living with our eyes and ears focused on Him, when a storm or tempest approaches or "comes out of nowhere" then we are not going to be able to experience first hand the Grace that is sufficient for us.

So, at this point, some may think that the tragedy is that Noah is no longer with us physically. And though I miss him in the deepest most tender part of my heart, I'd beg to differ that, once again, the tragedy is that the devil continues to attempt at coaxing God's children from intimacy with Him, and, unfortunately for him, he continues to get his head bashed in and reminded of his final destination and his choice to disobey God. Misery loves company, but it's not getting mine!

30 comments:

  1. You are very right Adrienne. God is faithful and all-knowing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous8:22 AM

    Once again, thank you for allowing the wisdom of God to flow through you to us. God has spoken words strong and deep to my heart that needed to be heard. You are His instrument being used for such a time as this! Never stop allowing His Spirit to flow through you...lives ARE being changed!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous8:38 AM

    I was directed to your site just a couple of weeks ago. Like all who have written you I am amazed at how God is using you to touch so many. I had not written before, but based on your writing today I wanted to recommend a book "THE SPLENDOR OF HIS WAYS" (Seeing The Lord's End In Job)written by Stephen Kaung. The Lord placed this book in my hands back in 1986, at a time when I needed it so very badly. It is a totally different take on Job than the usual "What Job feared came upon him....." that is taught by most. Unlike most of your readers, who understandably appear to be young mothers like yourself, I am a 69 year young woman with 4 grown children who is running the race that Paul speaks of. We never learn all of God, He continually shows himself to us in unspeakable and marvelous ways. God's blessings on you and your wonderful family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous8:48 AM

    This is like the 8th time I have heard Job mentioned this week, I think you are so right on that we need to keep reminding satan where he belongs and I think we need to start working on the 'friends' that were giving Job advice! I think those friends are all around us, stealing Gods glory without even knowing it and playing into the hands of satan. Using Noah as a great example God was able to show His hand and reawaken the spirits of those who truely seek Gods face! God used Noah in a big way for such a short earth life! Praise God for that!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous11:01 AM

    I am also not a young mother - but I have been touched by your journey. I was led here by a comment on a Weight Watcher community board. You are exhibiting a grace and wisdom far beyond your years. I thank you for sharing your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous1:44 PM

    Thank you, Job has been mentioned to me also several times this week, you have touched my life and for that I thank you. You have helped me to see God again, and for that I thank you. Still in my prayers daily.
    Jori~~~~in Illinois

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am not sure how my wife got to your blog but she did. We have spent the last hour reading. I don’t want to begin to say I know how you feel, I would just like to say I am sorry for your pain. I know you loved your sweet son and I pray that God will prove himself as the God of all comforts in your families’ life. Thank you for letting us share in your journey through your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AMEN!! Keep it up God is using you to touch and reach so many people as you have mine. You are a great light for The Father. God bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your witnessing to me and so many others. I have a 12 month old son and reading your blog has taught me to take full advantage of my blessings as life is precious. Mostly though reading your site has taught me how to love God and put all my faith in Him. Thank you so much for that. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and your pain. I have cried and prayed for you. I have no idea how you are able to be as strong and faithful as you are. You are an amazing mom and an amazing Christian and even though I don't know you, I feel honored to have gotten to know your story.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous7:18 PM

    I came upon your site through a friend of a friend...have read through your archives and like every other person that commented here, was touched so deeply. I am a young mother with a daughter, 5, and a son, 11 mos. The grace and strength you convey in your writings is amazing - a true testament to your faith in Christ. It has really made me look inward on my own faith, as I don't think I could be as graceful if I were in the same situation and realize I need to put more faith in God. I love my children deeply; I chose to stay at home when my daughter was born and work part-time from home, but this past week since reading your story, I have held them tighter than I think I ever have. Noah has definitely had an impact on our lives. I agree with another comment I read - if I live to be an old woman, I hope to have touched as many lives through Christ as little Noah. You and your husband and daughter are so blessed to have been a part of that little boy, and your pride and faithfulness is so evident. Bless you. My prayers and my family's prayers are with you. May you continue to find peace.

    Val

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous8:12 PM

    Hi came across this poem and I hope it will make you feel alittle better....

    Missing someone gets easier everyday because even though you are one day further from the last time you saw them, you are one day closer to the next time you will.

    -- Author:Anonymous

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for this, Adrienne. For those of us who are going through our own painful crises, your words continue to bring us peace and hope. I am one of those whose eyes and ears were not focused on God when my storm came. So I'm new to remembering that God's grace is sufficient, but it's so helpful to read about someone who has a strong grip on that fact. I'm encouraged that some day I can lean on God that much.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am continually amazed at how my Faith has been moved by Noah's life, through your family's words. I can honestly say the person I most want to meet when I go to Heaven is Noah. Forget the "famous" people, Noah has been such a blessing to my Faith and his impact will last throughout my lifetime. May God continue to shine through all of you...His blessings are evident (and appreciated)! --Andrea, WI

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous1:50 PM

    You may remember me, Jewel (Woolsey) Kaste, from ORU. Several friends here in Tulsa have been talking about little Noah and I just read your blog today. Oh, may the Lord's grace and peace continue to flood your lives! I have cried all morning, blown away by your strength and faith, and my mom's heart is desolate for you. I will pray for you. May Noah's sweet baby scent fill the air around today.
    Love, Jewel

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous4:54 PM

    I've always said that in order to truly understand God and his power, you need to be vividly aware of the power of Satan. In order to effectively fight a battle, you have to strategically study and know your enemy. Your message proves that again to me.

    Thank you,
    Lynette - Tulsa

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous5:06 PM

    I've been thinking of all of you - especially Em. How is she doing? I was wondering if she ever got her pierced ears straightened out?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous7:19 PM

    My daughter has so many issues.I thought God was punishing me for being too proud or arrogant. I now
    realize that it is to teach others patience,tolerance, and to use me to voice the various shortcomings of society & government in regard to handicapped people. You, like
    I share the burden of enduring
    difficult situations that must
    happen,but because of our faith are strong enough to endure.Others
    learn from this as well. Instead of
    being emotionally distruaght,you are renewed and know that you &
    Noah have done the most you can for God.What you gave away on Earth
    shall be returned many times over
    with God's grace.Peace that all is well with him. He share's a place with my nephew,Adam.
    Rejoice and know that nothing

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous9:41 PM

    Thank you Adrienne,

    I praise God that he is using you to speak the truth to so many. We need an awakening as Christians. I was reading in Psalms and this passage really stood out to me for you guys.

    I have set the Lord always before me because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
    Pslam 16:8-11
    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous1:58 PM

    Noah wasn't waiting for a miracle...he WAS (IS) the miracle! The faith that he has inspired, and that has been expressed through your eloquent words is an endless blessing than can't compare to anything on earth! We have all been privileged to hear of his journey, and he is lucky to have you to tell it! May peace and joy and light continue to grace your loving family!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous2:59 PM

    What an inspiration your words are to me! May God eternally bless you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous6:07 PM

    You have given me new wisdom and words to give to my young daughter that lost her daddy several years ago. Your words have given me new ideas and thoughts to ponder over as I think about my late husband. We are living in Celebration and we welcome you with open arms to come and live a few days in Mickey's world. You are an amazing woman.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous7:57 PM

    I have been thinking about you and your family a lot these past few days. Your words are so inspirational. I look forward to each new blog. I hope you and your family are doing well. Sometimes I find myself thinking about Noah even though I have never met him before. Your blog has touched my heart and I look forward to reading your next blog.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am so glad I fell upon your site, you have amazing strength (I know it's from your Creator) peace that passes all understanding...

    It has been wonderful reading through your blog (right to the beginning), you are a great example of faith and love.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous8:54 PM

    Adrienne & Jason...
    I was thinking how in the first few weeks following Ricky's home-going, I found myself suddenly with little strength and few words for the website that had been my strength and my comfort through so much pain and challenge. But all the while... I found myself checking for messages, words of comfort - any sign from others to simply let me know that they were there, and that Ricky was far from forgotten.
    I have no idea if your heart is in a similar place. I just felt compelled to let you know that I am praying harder now than I believe I was before. Your sharing of Noah has meant more to me than I can possibly say over the last weeks.
    As strong Christians... we know in our head (and in a part of our heart) that God has brought us through all of this for reasons we can see, and others we can't even begin to understand. But sometimes the other part of our heart that says this is just too unbearable, speaks louder then we'd like it too.
    As Noah is now being held in the safest, most peaceful arms of all... You too are being held up... even when you feel all strength is gone.
    Your sister in Christ, Meghan
    www.littlemanricky.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Adrienne,Jason, and Em,

    I am praying for you...you are constantly on my mind. I think about Noah on a daily basis. I cannot imagine your feelings but want you to know that I pray, my family prays for you still and will continue to do so.

    Find strength in Christ as you did all these months. Find strength in the love that surrounds you, from the heartfelt prayers being said for you. Noah is all around...doing good.

    Val

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous9:43 AM

    I love the way you express your thoughts from God. It has inspired me more than you will ever know. I have had my own family challenges this past week and I have found a peace when reading this lastest posting. satan will try anything to get us. I believe that had I not found your site when I did, he may have reached me this time. Thank you for being the gateway back to my Saviour. I hate the circumstances which have led us to you and your family, but I praise God that I found you. I will pray for you, just as I have, everyday. I think of you often, and although I don't know you, I feel as if I do and when reading this blog the past few weeks, I feel as though I have gotten to know you, your family and of course, little Noah. Like someone else said, I can't wait to meet him in Heaven.

    ReplyDelete