Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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To the Frustrated Person Trying to Hear God’s Voice

February 7, 2019 by Abby McDonald

I longed for a clear sign. My husband and I were about to make a life-altering decision, but all I felt was uncertainty and confusion.

Should we stay or should we go? And if we stayed, what would that mean for our family?

In scripture, we’re told that the God we serve is not one of confusion. So, the chaos I felt in my head was not a result of him, but of looking to other sources for my answers. Internet searches. Weighing pros and cons. Consulting with family and friends.

All these voices telling me what or what not to do soon became a source of endless chatter. But rather than feel informed, I felt overwhelmed.

While all of these methods of decision-making weren’t necessarily bad, I realized one day that I’d spent very little time sitting before God, praying, and seeking. If my heart’s desire was to know his will, wouldn’t prayer and time in his presence be a good place to start?

When we want to hear from God, I think we often make it more difficult than it actually is. Lord knows, I do. Last spring I led a women’s Bible study about becoming unstuck in our spiritual walk, and the single most common frustration I heard from women was that they had difficulty discerning God’s voice.

The good news is that God wants to communicate with us. His ways of reaching us are limitless because he is infinite. But how do we know we’re hearing from him and not conjecturing something out of our own heads? When we step out in faith, how can we be confident we’re following him and not our own wants?

The more I get to know Jesus, the more I learn he does speak to me. But to hear him, I have to filter out the noise. Here are a few characteristics of his voice that I’ve come to recognize:

  1. It’s not hurried.

I believe when danger is imminent, the Spirit often warns us. And there are seasons when there will be more deadlines and busyness than others. While we are to be diligent and make good use of our time, our God is a relational being. His Word uses terms like “rest,” “abide,” and “still,” but I don’t recall the gospels telling us Jesus rushed to get places, even when he had a lot of work to do.

When we make people feel like check marks on our to-do list, it stings. And to be honest, I think it hurts God too.

If we want to hear him, we have to stop scrolling and rushing long enough to listen.

We sit. We wait. We slow down because his presence is worth it.

  1. It’s consistent and steady.

When we see the Lord change his mind about something in scripture, it’s about withholding judgment. We see this in Exodus when Moses convinces him not to destroy the entire nation of Israel after worshipping a golden calf in place of their God. (Exodus 32:14)

However, when it comes to God’s ultimate will for our lives, it remains unchanging. We’re to love him and honor him. We’re to be an extension of his love to those we do life with and draw others to Christ through our words and actions.

If we follow this simple command, we don’t have to stay in limbo, wondering if we misheard him. We take the next step forward, and when we’re ready, he’ll reveal more of his plan to us.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

  1. It’s a voice that propels, not threatens.

I’ve made a lot of poor decisions that were based off a fear of missing out rather than seeking God’s will. I’ve overcommitted, spread myself too thin, and made people-pleasing first on my agenda.

But here’s the thing. Saying “yes” to God often means saying “no” to others. It often means saying “no” to activities that seem good, and worthy of our time. However, upon closer examination, they’re not the best God has for us.

To produce the best fruit in us, God has to prune the good fruit too. (John 15:2)

He does this not with an anger and vengeance, but with love. Not with threats, but with an invitation to more.

By lifting the burdens that are weighing us down, he’s able to propel us into the future he has for us.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…”

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Remember our big decision? Well, when I finally got alone with God, I saw the answer. His leading was clear, and my husband and I made the choice without reservation.

It wasn’t easy, but we knew it was the right path. And in time, he affirmed it, over and over again.

Following God doesn’t mean our roads won’t be difficult. Sometimes, there’s turbulence and bumps that make us question whether we heard him at all. Other times, there’s pain and heartache.

But in the midst of the highs and the lows, there’s also peace. There’s a soul-deep knowledge that no matter what, he’s right there, holding us close as we move forward in faith.

It’s an irreplaceable feeling. It’s an unspeakable joy.

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Filed Under: faith, spiritual growth Tagged With: #voiceofGod #spiritualgrowth

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Comments

  1. Christy says

    February 7, 2019 at 7:20 am

    Wise teaching Abby.
    xoxo

    • Abby McDonald says

      February 8, 2019 at 10:24 am

      Thank you, friend. xoxo

  2. Jeanne says

    February 7, 2019 at 9:39 am

    Good word. Thank you.

    • Abby McDonald says

      February 8, 2019 at 10:24 am

      Thank you, Jeanne. Thanks for visiting. Hope you have a great weekend.

  3. Lisa Appelo says

    February 7, 2019 at 2:00 pm

    It’s true that we need to still all the other voices (including my own!) to listen to God’s. And that fear of missing out can make me detour every time. I love that we have to knit ourselves to God to discern his will though, because it keeps us right where we are supposed to be. Good words, Abby.

    • Abby McDonald says

      February 8, 2019 at 10:25 am

      Oh yes, that’s a big one for me too. I’m so thankful He speaks to us when we’re willing to listen. Thanks so much for reading, Lisa.

  4. Kristi Woods says

    February 7, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    Gosh, fear of missing out is a biggie. Seems to be even more of an issue these days with technology and social media. I have to check myself on this one. Glad you and your husband found the wise and godly choice, Abby.

    • Abby McDonald says

      February 8, 2019 at 10:26 am

      That FOMO is such a big one, isn’t it? I’m slowly learning that I don’t need to be everywhere, all the time. 😉 Thanks for visiting, friend.

  5. Monika says

    February 8, 2019 at 6:04 am

    Well said!

    • Abby McDonald says

      February 8, 2019 at 10:27 am

      Thank you, Monika! I’m so thankful He speaks to us, when slow down enough to listen. 😉 Have a great weekend.

  6. Elizabeth says

    February 8, 2019 at 8:35 am

    It has spoken to me! Thanks a lot for sharing!

    • Abby McDonald says

      February 8, 2019 at 10:27 am

      So thankful to hear that, Elizabeth. Praise God. Have a great weekend!

  7. Heather Mertens says

    February 9, 2019 at 12:37 am

    Woah, Abby, I just finished reading this a little while after I literally posted a post on FB about the “sting”… “When we make people feel like check marks on our to-do list, it stings.” You got that right, my friend.

    I totally get it. I mean we can’t be everything to everyone, and I, too, have a hard time keeping it all lined up just perfect, but that sting… 🙁
    I have made hearing God a priority… even when He is silent, because loving outward and getting answers sometimes go hand in hand. Lovely encouragement here. <3

  8. Ashley Rowland | HISsparrowBlog says

    February 12, 2019 at 11:54 am

    Love your point about God’s voice not being threatening (and the rest too!). It’s a great reminder that He doesn’t use fear, guilt, and anger to direct us. Great post!

  9. Mary Carver says

    February 12, 2019 at 6:17 pm

    Such a great reminder, Abby. I just started seeking God’s will on a big decision, and when I saw your link I knew I needed this word. Thank you.

Hi! I'm Abby and I'm so glad you're here. I am a wife and a mom of two very energetic boys and one sweet baby girl. When I'm not chasing them around I love to write about my love for a God who relentlessly pursued me, even during my darkest times. READ MORE...

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Friend, if you are in a season of waiting right no Friend, if you are in a season of waiting right now, I encourage you to look back on the ways God delivered you in the past. Repeat promises about his character out loud and write them in places where you will see them throughout the day. 

Doing these things may feel silly at first, but here’s what you’re doing: You’re rewiring your brain. When your mind is tempted to believe the negative, you are building a neural pathway to truth. You are creating a pattern, and as you do, it will begin to become more natural.

No matter what, remember God goes with you, even on the days it feels as though you’re alone. He is reaching out for you through the waves of chaos. Reach for him, and grab hold.
A few weeks ago, I had a heart to heart with God w A few weeks ago, I had a heart to heart with God while walking our dog in the cold. There were a few areas in my life where I was beyond weary. My honest confession didn’t leave me with any answers, but the release made me feel the weight lift a little. But still, I longed for some type reassurance. Like Moses before the burning bush, my heart whispered, “Show me your glory.”

That night my husband and I were sitting in our back yard, and I witnessed an unexpected gift I’d never seen: a meteor shower. Every few moments, a streak of light would illuminate the sky, and the magic of it left me awestruck. It was unlike anything I’d experienced in a long time.

As I put my head on the pillow that night, I sensed God saying, “I know you don’t always see it, but I’m protecting you in more ways than you know.”

There are fires He puts out that we never see.

Destructive masses flying toward us that are struck down before they reach us.

And while the struggle and the weariness remain, somehow I feel held right here in the middle of it. I know I’m seen. I know His love reaches places that go beyond those streaks of fire.

#faithhopelove #hisloveenduresforever #prayermatters #keepgoing
Have you ever heard a message that breathed new li Have you ever heard a message that breathed new life into a passage? This happened to me today, and I couldn’t believe the ways this psalm opened up before my eyes, even though I’d read it hundreds of times.

A valley of darkness is not a place where I’d want to sit down and have a meal. My focus would be on getting out. I can see myself asking God, “Can’t you see all these shadows lurking? Really, God?” And yet there David is, right in the middle of the shadow of death, eating. The Lord doesn’t wait until he gets to the other side to prepare the table. He prepares in right there in front his enemies. Enemies who are likely taunting. Whispering lies. Asking what he’s doing there and if he thinks he’ll really make it through. 

But God isn’t intimidated by the darkness that trembles in his presence. He wants to take David to higher ground. And you know what? He won’t get there by staying comfortable.

So instead of letting the voices of evil defeat him, David declares victory. His cup overflows. His path is secure. And ours is too, friends. Keep praising him in the midst of the battle today.

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We make thousands of choices each day, but not all We make thousands of choices each day, but not all of them are life altering. If you’re anything like me, when those big ones come 
you can go to God and expect an answer right then, even when you’ve done little to even connect with him.

But connection to God will always precede the direction of God. 

To enjoy the limitless benefits that come from this relationship, we must first take time fostering it. Wisdom, joy, love, and a sound mind are all at our fingertips. If we take the time. If we seek him before simply seeking his plans.

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1. God will open the doors he wants us to walk through. 

2. We often complicate what God has already instructed us to do. 

3. The right decision does not mean there are no bumps in the road.

Friend, I don’t know what decision fatigue you’re facing today, but know you face decisions that need to be made. This is the life we live. Whether they’re big or small, fear-inducing or not, know God is there with you, and he gives wisdom to whoever will ask.

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1. What is my reader’s biggest struggle right now?
2. If I could tell my reader one thing, what would it be?

Asking these two questions not only clarify my writing, but keep it focused. The less rabbit trails, the better. 😉

What other questions would you add to this list?

#writingcoach #amwriting #writeyourstory #writingonwednesdays
This man gives selflessly of his time, love and en This man gives selflessly of his time, love and energy and teaches me so much about what it means to serve others with a humble heart. Today is his birthday, and I’m grateful that I get to celebrate another year of his life! Happy birthday, Chris! 🎉💗 We love you so much.

#birthdaylove #43yearsyoung #birthdaywishes
I am a visual processor. It always helps ingrain t I am a visual processor. It always helps ingrain things in my mind to see them laid out this way. That’s why I’m my book, Shift, I included several charts similar to this one to help transform our mindset. To shift our focus from what’s seen to what’s unseen.

One of the beautiful truths I learned through writing is that we get to control our narrative. We may hear words that aren’t true and even say them to ourselves, but they don’t have to get the final say.

We can:

1. Speak what’s true out loud. Matthew 12:35 says the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, but the opposite is also true. Speaking truth gets it into our heart.

2. Set boundaries on the toxicity we let into our lives. Whether it’s people, the news, social media or tv, we control what goes in. And what goes in matters to our mental health.

3. Write it down. We saw the Jews do this in the OT. It is a tried and true method and it works. 

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➡️ Learn more via link in bio.

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1. Read or listen to something inspirational. Often, this will give me a fresh perspective or angle on a topic that I hadn’t considered.

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3. Move around. A blank computer screen is not very inspiring, is it? Movement and blood flow can spark a brain that’s tired and foggy with fresh ideas. 

Whatever you do, come back to the page. Always. Even if you think the writing is garbage, you can always edit. 

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