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

"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/
"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/
"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/
"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/
"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/
"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/
"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/
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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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😂😂😂

Just do your best today. 👌🏼👌🏼

#kidsarethebest #funnymemes #doyourbest
I can’t explain it, and that’s part of the bea I can’t explain it, and that’s part of the beauty of it. But often, it isn’t until I take the intentional time to get still before God that I see all the ways he’s already moving in a situation. While the circumstances may not change, his peace covers me. It’s an exchange so beautiful, it’s difficult to put into words. I guess that’s why the Holy Spirit often intercedes for us with groans instead of perfectly crafted sentences. And yet, it’s still every bit perfection.

#prayerworks #keeppraying #hisgrace
As of today, I only have one left in elementary sc As of today, I only have one left in elementary school. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, and that’s okay.

To all the moms out there who feel the conflicting emotions of pride, sadness, and everything in between: I see you. You don’t have to choose one or the other. 

In this mothering journey, the commitment that counts is being here for it. 

#solongelementaryschool #summerishere #mothersofboys
We braved the rain today, and I’m so glad we did We braved the rain today, and I’m so glad we did. After a few showers, the sun came out and we made some beautiful memories together.

#almostheaven #blackwaterfallsstatepark #memorialday
As much as I love summer, it can bring a lot of co As much as I love summer, it can bring a lot of conflicting feelings for this work at home mom. But I know like every season, this one is a gift. 

For all of you moms who are entering summer with this tension, I wrote a prayer for you. As you navigate new rhythms, give yourself grace. I’m sending your favorite caffeinated drink your way. 😘

#workingmom #workathomemom #summerrhythm #keepgoing
I don’t consider myself a painter by any stretch I don’t consider myself a painter by any stretch of the imagination. When I took an Intro to Art College, each assignment faced my teacher’s intense scrutiny. 

“Too many lines,” he said.
“Too busy,” he commented.

But over time and practice, I grew, and he saw that. 

I’ve always been drawn to the creative process of painting. So when a church friend offered a Prayer & Paint class, I signed up. I knew it would be different than any class I’d taken, but I was intrigued.

Then came the first paint session.

No paintbrushes, the teacher said. Only fingers. My inner control freak screamed, “Wait, what?” But since there were no brushes available, I went to work. The freedom I found in the lack of control amazed me.

The following week, we again had no brushes. Only sponges, fingers and a scraper type tool. Again, laid down my need to prove myself and tried to lay my inner critic to rest. 

By the third week, I didn’t expect anything but paint and a canvas, but we found a surprise: paintbrushes! Much to my amazement, I was back to using my fingers by the end of the session. 

Then came the last class. A collaborative effort with no instruction. Any comfort zone I imagined having was thrown out the window. The end result: my favorite piece. 

Each class, I realized something:
When we try to control each step of the creative process, we miss opportunities for God to lead.

Whether it’s painting, or writing, or some other pursuit, freedom is found when we realize the end result is not about us. It’s about pointing others toward the ultimate Creator.

As we refine our work and let others speak into it, He refines us. He speaks in each stroke. But first, we have to release our grip.

#creativeprocess #creativespace #trysomethingnew #stilllearning
This is the face of a girl who finished her book p This is the face of a girl who finished her book proposal and sent it to her agent. After months of distractions, I pushed past the excuses, sat my butt in the chair (for days upon days) and did it.

I know there will still be work ahead. I don’t know what the future holds. 

But I’m celebrating this moment. 🙌🏼🎉

#authorsofinstagram #bookinprogress #writingcoach
We’ve lived in this area for almost twelve years We’ve lived in this area for almost twelve years, and somehow we’ve never ventured to this park. I’m so glad we did today. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you beautiful moms, and to all the women who mother and nurture. You are loved.

#mothersday #mothersday23 #happymothersday
Several months ago, I felt like I was chasing brea Several months ago, I felt like I was chasing breadcrumbs. I faced an uncertain health diagnosis, and thought God was giving me hints of what was to come. But through the course of several events that could only be orchestrated by God, I realized something; I had it all wrong. 

When God speaks, his voice is steady and consistent, not confusing and fear-inducing.

Although Jesus spoke to the Jews in parables they didn’t understand, this was because he already knew their hearts. He knew they didn’t believe, and they had already chosen their path. But when he speaks to us as children, it isn’t in parables. It’s in a loving voice that says, “Don’t be afraid. No matter what the future holds, I’m with you.”

If you feel like you’re chasing breadcrumbs today, trying to hear the voice of God, know this: He still speaks. Sit down, quiet your mind, and put your phone on “do not disturb.” Open your Bible and see what happens. He wants to communicate with each of us. Sometimes we just have to slow down our racing hearts enough to listen.

#hisword #hisgrace #hopewriters
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The 5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge

Are there areas of your life where you can’t seem to find breakthrough? Do you feel as though your keep praying the same prayers over and over, but you’re not getting anywhere?

A life stuck is one that never moves into the fullness Christ created us to have.

This is why I created the “5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge”. In this 5-day challenge, we will look at five key areas where the enemy likes for us to stay stuck. Then, we will implement a simple, doable mindset shift.

Ready to get get unstuck?

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!