Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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Shift

Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God

If we want to see God in the midst of our struggles, we have to change the way we look for him.

There is no denying that miracles, answers to prayer, and abundant blessings testify to God’s presence. When the desires of our hearts are filled, it’s easy to see him. But what about the seasons when he seems invisible? Scripture tells us God never sleeps, but it is easy to feel like he is not attuned to our needs. Shift explores the life-changing truth that when we adjust our lens to focus our eyes on God rather than on what we wish we were seeing in our lives, he reveals himself to us. In fact, those moments when he seems invisible to us are often when others see him the most in us.

When Jesus walked the earth, he looked to God for his earthly needs. Jesus had a deep relationship with the Father that fueled his mission, his purpose, and his effectiveness. Scripture tells us that we can have that too. But there is a shift that needs to take place in our hearts and minds. No matter our circumstances, we can see God in our lives—right here, right now.

*This page contains affiliate links. You can read my affiliate disclosure here.


Endorsements for Abby McDonald’s Shift

"Abby comes alongside her reader like a safe friend inviting you to step out of the fog and see the road in front of you with new eyes. Her vulnerable stories reminded me God has not forgotten my heartache, and He is whispering grace over me even when my spiritual sight is limited. Shift will uplift your perspective on the hard seasons and help you move forward with renewed hope."

– Lyli Dunbar, Writer, Speaker, and Biblical Life Coach; Writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 App and Love God Greatly

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:13:39-05:00

– Lyli Dunbar, Writer, Speaker, and Biblical Life Coach; Writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 App and Love God Greatly

"Abby comes alongside her reader like a safe friend inviting you to step out of the fog and see the road in front of you with new eyes. Her vulnerable stories reminded me God has not forgotten my heartache, and He is whispering grace over me even when my spiritual sight is limited. Shift will uplift your perspective on the hard seasons and help you move forward with renewed hope."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/lyli-dunbar/
"For those who question if God cares what they are going through, Abby McDonald's wise and thoughtful insights provide a perspective shift to discouraged hearts. Learn to hang on to hope through difficult circumstances as you see God's trustworthy nature displayed with each turn of the page."

- Katie M. Reid, author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:03:44-05:00

- Katie M. Reid, author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done

"For those who question if God cares what they are going through, Abby McDonald's wise and thoughtful insights provide a perspective shift to discouraged hearts. Learn to hang on to hope through difficult circumstances as you see God's trustworthy nature displayed with each turn of the page."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/katie-m-reid/
"Fresh and loving insight straight to the heart. Abby will stun you with her inspiring words anchored in Biblical truth. A lighthouse of Hope!"

– Jami Amerine, author of Stolen Jesus and Sacred Ground Sticky Floors 

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:08:54-05:00

– Jami Amerine, author of Stolen Jesus and Sacred Ground Sticky Floors 

"Fresh and loving insight straight to the heart. Abby will stun you with her inspiring words anchored in Biblical truth. A lighthouse of Hope!"
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/jami-amerine/
"In a world that is constantly vying for our attention, it can be hard to focus on the "One Thing" that most matters, God. Shift artfully met my heart with relatable stories, insightful scripture, and fresh perspectives, many beckoning me to come closer to Jesus. As I turned page-to-page, there were various times that I had to stop and laugh, consider and ponder, or underline and write notes in the margin. I really enjoyed Abby McDonald's heartfelt message and storytelling."

- Kelly Balarie, Speaker, Blogger at www.purposefulfaith.com, Author of Fear Fighting and Battle Ready: Train your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:12:40-05:00

- Kelly Balarie, Speaker, Blogger at www.purposefulfaith.com, Author of Fear Fighting and Battle Ready: Train your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously

"In a world that is constantly vying for our attention, it can be hard to focus on the "One Thing" that most matters, God. Shift artfully met my heart with relatable stories, insightful scripture, and fresh perspectives, many beckoning me to come closer to Jesus. As I turned page-to-page, there were various times that I had to stop and laugh, consider and ponder, or underline and write notes in the margin. I really enjoyed Abby McDonald's heartfelt message and storytelling."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/kelly-balarie/
"Abby McDonald’s heart for her readers shows through in every word. Genuine and gentle, she leads us to a place where we can shift our lenses to see God’s presence in all the moments: good, bad, and—especially—in between. Because as much as we like to focus on the highs and lows, God longs to meet us in the middle. Shift’s practical approach will help you see Him there."

– Kelly O’Dell Stanley, author of Praying Upside Down, Designed to Pray, and InstaPrayer

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:06:39-05:00

– Kelly O’Dell Stanley, author of Praying Upside Down, Designed to Pray, and InstaPrayer

"Abby McDonald’s heart for her readers shows through in every word. Genuine and gentle, she leads us to a place where we can shift our lenses to see God’s presence in all the moments: good, bad, and—especially—in between. Because as much as we like to focus on the highs and lows, God longs to meet us in the middle. Shift’s practical approach will help you see Him there."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/kelly-odell-stanley/
"As new believers or seasoned Christ-followers, we all have times when we struggle to maintain the right perspective. In Shift, Abby McDonald opens our eyes to the freedom found through a change in focus. Abby communicates as if she’s sitting right here in my living room. Her desire to help others grow in Christ can be felt through her words. I can’t wait to introduce her message to our women’s ministry!"

– Kristine Brown, author of Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan & the Over It. Devotional for Teen Girls

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:04:43-05:00

– Kristine Brown, author of Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan & the Over It. Devotional for Teen Girls

"As new believers or seasoned Christ-followers, we all have times when we struggle to maintain the right perspective. In Shift, Abby McDonald opens our eyes to the freedom found through a change in focus. Abby communicates as if she’s sitting right here in my living room. Her desire to help others grow in Christ can be felt through her words. I can’t wait to introduce her message to our women’s ministry!"
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/kristine-brown/
"Perspective is everything.  As Shift portrays, changing our focus is a gift that can empower a radical faith. Beneath her quiet, graceful demeanor, author McDonald emerges here as a dynamic writer with a powerful message about the necessity of seeking God’s presence in every season and situation of our lives.  Inspiring readers with her own life stories along with practical, Biblical principles, McDonald encourages that no matter what the struggle, you can discover a deeper wisdom and a stronger faith that will transform your life.  Sometimes all it takes is one small shift."

- Lisa Murray, LMFT, author of Peace For A Lifetime: Embracing a Life of Hope, Wholeness, and Harmony Through Emotional Abundance

Shift by Abby McDonald
2019-11-23T22:11:20-05:00

- Lisa Murray, LMFT, author of Peace For A Lifetime: Embracing a Life of Hope, Wholeness, and Harmony Through Emotional Abundance

"Perspective is everything.  As Shift portrays, changing our focus is a gift that can empower a radical faith. Beneath her quiet, graceful demeanor, author McDonald emerges here as a dynamic writer with a powerful message about the necessity of seeking God’s presence in every season and situation of our lives.  Inspiring readers with her own life stories along with practical, Biblical principles, McDonald encourages that no matter what the struggle, you can discover a deeper wisdom and a stronger faith that will transform your life.  Sometimes all it takes is one small shift."
https://abbymcdonald.org/testimonials/lisa-murray/
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Shift by Abby McDonald

For Sharing

"God's faithfulness is not a result of what he does but who he is." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"If we want to see God, our thirst for him must become greater than our thirst for answers." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Surrender doesn't mean lack of desire for a rescue, but trusting God's way for our lives." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"When we allow life's messes to humble us instead of distance us, we come closer to the heart of God." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"At the foot of the cross, not one of God's children shines any brighter than the other." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Hardship causes us to see God's presence as a gift rather than an entitlement." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Faith is activated not by seeing, but by doing." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"When God calls us to do something, he doesn't leave us once we reach the middle of the task." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook
"Humbling ourselves before the Father exalts the power of the Holy Spirit within us." - Abby McDonald, shiftbook.org #shiftbook

Suggested Facebook Posts

When our faith in God’s path for us is greater than our faith in today, a whole new world opens up before us. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

Most of us view trials through the filter of punishment instead of viewing them through the lens we should regard every aspect of our lives: God’s love. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

In a world where people believe truth is fluid, followers of God build altars to remind them its unchanging. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

If we want to be a light, we must realize we are working for God even when no one else is looking. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus

When we allow Jesus to work on us inside, the change will be evident on the outside. ShiftBook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus


For Tweeting

We are one of the primary ways God makes himself visible to others.  https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet A small act of kindness can be a big arrow pointing others toward God’s character. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet When we follow God into the unknown, our expectations of his grace must be greater than our dependence on an answer. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet Getting completely raw and honest with God brings a divine recognition of who he is. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet Sometimes it isn’t until we take shaky steps into the unknown that we see God’s hand move. https://shiftbook.org #ShiftBook #shiftyourfocus Click To Tweet

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Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God by Abby McDonald

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Abby McDonald

About the Author

Abby McDonald is a blogger, speaker, wife, and mom whose work has been featured on (in)Courage, For Every Mom, iBelieve, Crosswalk, and more. Her passion is to empower women to grow in faith and hope, even when life is messy. She earned a BA in English from the University of South Carolina and teaches writing workshops both online and at conferences each year. Abby lives with her husband and three children in western Maryland.

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Mom brain (and brain fog) is real, folks! Always h Mom brain (and brain fog) is real, folks! Always have a journal or app with you to capture those ideas on the go. Then, when you finally get a chance to sit down, you’ll have your idea in front of you.

#writinglife #writingtips #writingcoach #hopewriters
I can’t tell you the number of times someone has I can’t tell you the number of times someone has remarked about my kids’ behavior, my writing, or something else, and I would never have known they noticed me. They said something at just the right time, often on a day I needed a boost of encouragement, and it kept me going. I know you don’t have an audience (except your kids, perhaps) when you’re doing the dishes. You probably don’t have one when you’re putting your kids to bed either. But you know what?
 
Our unseen work will always affect the work we do for an audience.

The heart and the love we pour into those unseen hours? It will carry into the lives we live in front of others. It will cause a ripple effect, spreading over to other areas. We may not even notice it at the time, but it will.

If you’re having trouble believing those unseen hours matter today, will you do me a favor? Come to God and just be honest. I promise he can handle it. He won’t turn away or give you a cold shoulder. He may even show you a little glimpse of what you’ve been missing.

#hopewriters #hisloveenduresforever #encouragingword #seekhimfirst
His goodness will follow you into the unknown, int His goodness will follow you into the unknown, into the dark valleys and shadows. It will never leave. Even when it feels as though the world is closing in on you and you have nothing left to give, his goodness will follow you.

Speak this truth over your life today. Even if you have difficulty believing it today, he will use your proclamation of truth. You will defeat the enemy with arrows from his Word. His attacks against you will not stand.

#hopewriters #psalm23 #hisgoodness #seekhimfirst
Hello on this rainy Friday! Everything in me said Hello on this rainy Friday! Everything in me said to stay home today, but I braved the storm and found unexpected gifts because of it like:

1. Shorter lines
2. Less chaos and traffic in the store (which makes me anxious)
3. No one breathing down my neck in the checkout line. 😂 Sidenote- so not necessary!

What unexpected gift did you recently discover after doing something you didn’t want to do? Nothing is too small.

Happy weekend, friends!

#unexpectedgifts #hopewriters #cultivategratitude
You won’t know if you don’t try. This is what You won’t know if you don’t try.

This is what I keep telling myself lately. Perhaps you need this reminder too. Because if you’re anything like me, you can freeze yourself with contingencies and made-up scenarios before you even start something. 

It’s exhausting. And I’ve wasted too much time doing this. So I’m choosing to take steps toward big goals even when my inner voice tells me, “You have no clue what you’re doing.”

Yesterday, that looked like sending an email.  It seems like such a small thing but it felt good. More than good, actually. It was as though all those made-up scenarios melted away, my shoulders relaxed and God whispered, “I’ve got this.”

Take the step, my friend. No matter what happens, the joy of saying “yes” will far exceed the regret of never trying.

#faithwriter #hopewriters #seekhimfirst #wordsofencouragement
Anyone else? 🙋🏻‍♀️😆 When do I need Anyone else? 🙋🏻‍♀️😆 When do I need to send help for you?

#grammarnerd #writing101 #wordnerd #pleasesendhelp
We weren’t created to walk through this life fig We weren’t created to walk through this life fighting the lies of the enemy with our own power. We were sent a Helper, who equips us with truth, leads our prayers and intercedes for us. (Romans 8:26)

Keeping our feet on solid ground is not a passive undertaking. It is daily battle. But the battle is worth it. And as we stand there on the Word that brings life, the arrows start to fall like dead weights. The elements may thunder, but they can’t overtake us. Because we’ve turned our eyes to the power Who controls them all.

#hispromises #hopewriters #amazinggrace #encouragingword
If you’re anything like me, you may sometimes th If you’re anything like me, you may sometimes think God’s peace is something you have to earn or strive to receive. We live in a world where anxiety is becoming more and more common, and it doesn’t seem like peace is a natural state of being.

But if we look at scripture, Jesus doesn’t describe his peace as a trophy we have to earn. It is a gift He gives us as his children, and His perfect peace is part of who He is.

Sharing more about this @embracing.the.unexpected 

https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/how-is-god-good-unexpected-circumstances/

#embracingtheunexpected #encouragingwords #hisgrace
No matter how long we’ve been walking with Jesus No matter how long we’ve been walking with Jesus, most of us will hit a season where it feels as though he’s silent. As we see others move forward in their faith and sense his presence in their lives, it can feel lonely.

When we walk through these valleys, we need to remember that Jesus said himself that no one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand. 

Regardless of what you might be feeling right now, you still belong to the One who paid the highest price to call you his own. If you’re having difficulty hearing his voice in your life or wondering why he speaks to others and not to you, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Our spiritual life is a series of valleys, mountains, and middle ground in-between. When you witness someone else taking big steps in their spiritual journey or hearing from God consistently, it could be that they are in a different life chapter than you are. Often, a long valley comes just before the breakthrough. It’s never a good idea to compare where we are in our faith to someone else, because each of us is unique.

2. Abiding in Christ is an active, day by day process, not a passive, one and done decision. One of Jesus’ last teachings to the disciples is about abiding in the Vine. Jesus is the Vine, and he tells us in John 15 that apart from him we can do nothing:

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 NIV

3. God is infinite, and speaks to each of us in different ways. God may speak to us through a friend or a song, and speak to someone else through nature. He may bring use a specific scripture to minister to someone else, but nudge our heart through a different passage. The key is to keep coming to God, regardless of how we feel.

Friend, if you are in a dry season right now, tell God what’s on your heart. You will not scare him away with an honest admission of your frustration. As a matter if fact, your honesty may be exactly what’s needed to propel you forward and see breakthrough.

#hopewriters #encouragingwords #seekhimfirst #hisgrace #dailydevotion
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