Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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Easter in Light of a Pandemic

April 2, 2020 by Abby McDonald

Easter is going to look a lot different for many of us this year. If you live in the U.S. or any one of the hundreds of countries now affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, current life stands in stark contrast to what it did weeks or months ago. Each of us is living day by day, not knowing what to expect or when this crisis will end.

Next weekend, we will celebrate the life of a Savior who conquered death. And yet, we are living in a season where death seems to reign supreme.

How do we celebrate Easter in the middle of a pandemic?

We hear daily reports of thousands dying from a disease that seems to have no end to its reach or its spread. Aside from the physical death, many are experiencing the loss of a job, a dream, a plan or a new beginning.

Weddings cancelled or postponed. Trips put on hold. Church services and Bible studies transitioned to an online platform where we stare at each other on a screen instead of embracing.

The weight of it all can feel heavy, can’t it? As we try to see a way forward but are met with an endless fog of uncertainty, it’s difficult to know how to take the next step. How to celebrate. How to rise when we’re crushed with a grief we can’t quite put into words.

As the weather gets warmer and the trees come alive with blooms all over, I take our dog for more walks. We trek around our neighborhood, and I talk to God. I pray for healing. For an end to this disease, for effective treatment and protection.

Yesterday, I turned back toward our house, and it was as though a veil was lifted, just for a moment. A moment where the Spirit brought into perspective everything Jesus went through to give us a life free of the darkness the enemy is trying to cover it with. A life where death does not conquer, and Light wins.

In contrast to our current protocol to stay home and protect the weak, Jesus left his home to save the weak.

He gave up all protection to feel the heaviness of our sin, disease and rejection. While those closest to him left to save themselves, he hung there, exposed. Even Peter, the one who said he’d die for Jesus, decided to save himself in the end.

Think of the lengths you would go to so that someone you love would be protected from this virus. Do you have a mental picture in your head? It doesn’t even compare to the lengths Jesus went to so we could experience abundant life in a world where this virus exists.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10 NIV

This situation we find ourselves in was never God’s idea, friends. But he invites us to find him in the middle of it. To celebrate the resurrection in spite of it. And to see the cost of the freedom he offers us with fresh eyes.

We may not be able to congregate together this Easter to celebrate our risen King, but we can still be united in mind and purpose. And as we do, I’m remembering these three truths:

Our God redeems what is lost.

Whatever this disease takes away, God will give it back a multitude over. He is a God of redemption. He is a Creator who restores.

Our God uses what the enemy meant for evil for our ultimate good and for his glory.

Even in the middle of all the loss, God is drawing people to himself. People are giving their lives to Jesus. The church body is rising up and taking action in new, unheard of ways.

Our God gives us victory.

It may be hard to see a victorious end to this season right now. But God is already on the other side of it, and he’s leading us through the wilderness.

“See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:19 NIV

Friends, the place we live right now is a land of transition. We are foreigners here, and this crisis is making that truth even more certain. If there’s anything we can know for sure, it’s that God is feels our pain. He endured it. But not one ounce of it will be wasted.

In the same way the disciples reacted with disbelief when Mary ran to tell them the grave was empty, I foresee each of us reacting in disbelief over what God has in store. In the middle of this darkness, behold the light.

It is rising.

An Invitation….

When I wrote Shift, I never imagined our world would look this way less than two months after its release. But God knew. And he knew we would need to change our focus to see his presence like never before.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had several people tell me Shift is a timely book for this season. And honestly, I’m humbled and speechless, because only God could do that. If you’re stuck at home and need a bit of encouragement in the midst of the crazy, you can purchase a copy of my book by clicking the image below.

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Filed Under: faith, God's love Tagged With: #Easter, #spiritualgrowth

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Comments

  1. Aileen Chetcuti says

    April 2, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Thank you Abby!🥰🥰🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      Thank you, sweet friend.

  2. Cheryl Burr says

    April 2, 2020 at 11:06 am

    Thank you

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      Absolutely. Praying for us all.

  3. Lisa M Appelo says

    April 2, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    Yes and amen! So grateful for the Resurrection!

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      Me too, friend. Amen.

  4. Stacy says

    April 2, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    What a wonderful insight! Thanks, Abby!

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Absolutely! God is good. Praying for us all.

  5. Gina says

    April 2, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    Behold the light! God is good. Thank you for this writing. Great words.

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Thank you for visiting and commenting, Gina!

  6. Rachael says

    April 3, 2020 at 5:41 pm

    I was just thinking this morning how different Easter will be and questioning how to celebrate. Thank you for this beautiful article!

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      It will be completely different, that is sure. But He is worth celebrating. Thank you for your kind words, friend! Praying for each of us this Easter.

  7. Bethany says

    April 4, 2020 at 11:02 am

    Thank you, Abby! The coming of Easter celebration has felt odd and cumbersome. Thank you for sharing your encouragement.

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      It definitely feels odd. That is for sure. Praying for each of us. Thank you for your encouragement!

  8. Betsy de Cruz says

    April 4, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    I probably need to read Shift again, Abby. Thank you for sharing these truths. It has been a hard day. My eyes filled with tears when I read news about New York City this morning. It has been a hard day. But you are so right. He is a Redeemer.

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      It is devastating to watch. That is certain. I am praying consistently for God’s redemption of all this. Love and hugs to you, friend.

  9. Ruth says

    April 7, 2020 at 10:08 am

    Thank you for this, my anxiety has been through the roof for the last 24 hours, then I read this. We are not in this alone.

    • Abby McDonald says

      April 9, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      So thankful it encouraged you, Ruth. Praying for each of us.

  10. sue says

    April 9, 2020 at 11:51 am

    Jesus came to protect the weak – love it!

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.

#authorsofinstagram #hopewriters #sundayscripture #hisgrace #victoryisyours #christianwriterscommunity #scriptureoftheday
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.

When we do, we find this:

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.

#dailydevotional #decisionmaking #hisgrace #seekhimfirst
Sometimes the first sentence is the hardest to wri Sometimes the first sentence is the hardest to write. That’s why nearly every time I write, I ask myself these two questions:

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. 

Our minds won’t transform by osmosis. Lord knows, I’ve tried this method and failed. 😅 The battle starts with claiming the truth. But my prayer is that eventually the Word will become like air in our lungs, the same way our Creator breathed life into us.

➡️ Learn more via link in bio.

#shiftbook #shiftyourmindset #hopewriters #authorsofinstagram #christianauthors #bookstagram
Ever have a deadline looming and feel completely u Ever have a deadline looming and feel completely unmotivated to write? 🙋🏻‍♀️ Sometimes procrastination is not an option. Here are a few tips that have been effective for me:

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.

2. Pray about it and dedicate your writing to God. God is the author of creativity. His Spirit is an endless source of beauty, inspiration, and fresh fire.

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. 

#writingtips #writingonwednesdays #writingcoach #keepgoing
I often forget that the middle of a new endeavor o I often forget that the middle of a new endeavor or opportunity is just as important as the beginning. When new beginnings and expectancy turn into endless days of the same, the transition can be grueling. Each day I must make the choice to get up and be present. I must be intentional about finding those new moments and opportunities for joy, even when they seem hidden.

While there are times in life when God calls us to leap or make a bold move for him, there are other seasons when he asks us to keep our feet firmly planted. In these seasons, our faith is stretched in different ways. 

Don’t let the messiness of the middle keep you from finishing the work God has for you. Keep looking for his presence in the details. Because one day, you will see the fruit he brought forth from that place.

➡️ Adapted from my book, Shift

#bookstagram #shiftbook #shiftyourmindset #faithfulness
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