Put Off Procrastination

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Even in Loss – Say “Yes” to God

Mindset

6 Mar

This topic, former procrastinators, has come to me with the unexpected passing of a dear friend who was also mentor and counsellor.  I’m learning as I grieve and process her passing. If I put those off now by saying “no” to God because I did not want this, I’ll suffer additional loss and grief.  Lord, help me say “yes” to you and learn.  His sure and steady hand is leading me forward.

We met Mary and Bill Fawcett in Brazil where Bill was our pastor. Mary was with us when our baby was stillborn.  We said we lost a child.  That bothered me.  She wasn’t lost, she was in the arms of Jesus.  I knew where she was just as I know where Mary is now and rejoice for her. But there is loss when someone we love dies, tragedy changes lives, or great disappointment comes.  What is lost?

In this case, someone I value greatly is no longer available to me, a precious earthly relationship is ended, hopes, expectations, plans are dashed.  Death intruded, bringing unwanted finality to part of life I hold dear.

At this point, I know I’m saying “yes” to:

Grief.  In Mary’s words, “Tears are a gift from God.”   They help heal my heart.

Longing.  I’ll need counsel and want her wisdom.  I’ll need prayer and want hers.  I’ll miss her- her practicality, her laugh, fun, comfort, her challenges to my growth.  I’ll miss scripture in her voice.

Surrender.  God is sovereign, wise, loving.  I bow my will to His.  There were things I wanted to learn from Mary and had not yet.  I wasn’t “ready” to be without her.

Lack of understanding.  God, why do you think this is a good idea?  I don’t know, but, again, He is sovereign and loving. His ways are higher than mine.

Trust.  A mutual friend sings “When You Can’t  See His Hand, Trust His Heart.”  Somehow, our friend’s passing is good for me.

New responsibilities. Without my friend to turn to, I’m compelled to delve more deeply into the Word myself.  The example she set is one I’m called to follow.

Aloneness – especially in certain areas.  I’m thrown more into the presence of the Lord as my dearest Friend.

Courage.  When God gave Joshua leadership of the Isrealites, Moses was gone.  But God told Joshua to take courage and find success by meditating on His Word and doing all that was in it.

A deeper walk with the Holy Spirit.  He used Mary to help me through hard times. He used her to make me hungry for His Word and for sharing Him with others.  Now He’s using her departure to draw me closer to Him for even more ahead. 

May I be faithful.

Is there a loss the Lord wants you to say “yes” to?

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8 Comments

« My Biggest Help – Say “Yes” to God
Saying “No” in Loss  –  Say “Yes” to God »

Comments

  1. Shelley Daez says

    March 7, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    Thank you, Beth, for sharing your deep faith in God and your beautiful words of wisdom on how to deal with loss. May Mary rest in peace in our lord’s arms and May God grant you comfort and strength during this time.

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 13, 2022 at 11:03 pm

      thank you, Shelley. He is faithful! I’ve been praying for you.

      Reply
  2. Sherri says

    March 8, 2022 at 1:43 am

    Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you.

    In Christ,
    Sherri

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 13, 2022 at 11:03 pm

      Thank you, Sherri. It’s a blessing to have such sisters and such a loving God.

      Reply
  3. Andrea says

    March 9, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    Dear Beth, I’m so sorry for your loss and pray for strength and comfort for you and Mary’s family.

    “Is there a loss the Lord wants you to say “yes” to?”

    This last question in your post is something I had never thought of. It gives tremendous insight and reminds me about Jesus’ words about dying to oneself and carrying our cross. Thank you for letting the Lord use you. It blesses us.

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 13, 2022 at 11:04 pm

      You’re right, Andrea, about dying to self. Thank you for your prayers.

      Reply
  4. Phyllis Sergent says

    March 14, 2022 at 2:51 pm

    I am s sorry for your loss and thankful for you – usinG your loss to bLess oth ers. I pray The Lord give you his peace and comfort. Love, Phyllis

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 16, 2022 at 12:56 pm

      Thank you, Phyllis. He is faithfully doing that.

      Reply

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

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Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
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“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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