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.


Endorsements for Abby McDonald’s Shift

"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/
"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/
"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/
"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/
"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/
"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/
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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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Several years ago, I learned something about dark Several years ago, I learned something about dark seasons I tried hard to avoid. I saw that rather than running from them or explaining them away, sometimes we have to lean into them. 

When Martha sends word that her brother is dying, Jesus is only one day’s walk away. But he waits. And he doesn’t wait because he’s disillusioned about the situation. No, he has a purpose to his delay.

“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
John 11:4 NIV

Sometimes God allows the darkness so that his Light can be magnified.

It isn’t because he doesn’t care. He isn’t sitting on his throne, removed from our situation like he’s playing some video game. He weeps for us. 

He doesn’t just hurt when we hurt. As I read in a recent devotion, he hurts because we hurt.

Could Jesus have prevented Lazarus from dying altogether? Absolutely. Mary and Martha know this, and it is one of the first things they say to him when he arrives. They don’t yet see the reason for his delay. So what good comes out of his death? We see it as the story concludes.

“Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” John 11:45 NIV

I don’t know what darkness you’re walking through today, friend. But I do know he sees and he laments with you. Invite him into that place with you today. Sometimes the light we long to see is just on the other side of a weary cry for help.
When I read the story of creation, I always find i When I read the story of creation, I always find it interesting how God didn’t remove the darkness to create the light. Although he had the authority to do so, he didn’t expel it once and for all when he said, “Let there be light.”

No, he separated the two. It’s as though there was some plan, some purpose behind it. Then, fast-forward a couple of thousand years and we meet Jesus- the One who calls himself The Light. He tells us in John that those who follow Him will never walk in darkness. (John 8:12)

And yet, he doesn’t banish the darkness either.

As a matter of fact, there are situations where he allows it to enter the lives of those who walk with Him.

Recently, my family entered circumstances where the darkness was thick. I wasn’t just uncomfortable. I was on my knees. But I wasn’t interested in seeing what God was trying to reveal to me through the pain or whether there was a reason for it. I wanted it to go away. Period.

➡️ New post - link in bio

#amwriting #hopewriters #hislight #hisgrace #authorsofinstagram #shiftyourmindset
A few months ago, I learned something new about on A few months ago, I learned something new about onions: They have a ripening agent in them. So when we had groceries delivered over the weekend and our avocados weren’t ripe, I put them next to the onions. A day later, and we had delicious avocados, perfect for guacamole, wraps and sandwiches.

Have you ever noticed people can have the same effect? Some bring out the best in you, while others make you doubt and second-guess yourself. Some want to see you pursue your God-given dreams and talents, while others only criticize and point out all the reasons your ideas will fail. Friends, I’m not talking about criticism that’s constructive- and yes, it does exist. I’m taking about criticism that highlights the giver’s insecurity. There is a huge difference.

The more I expand my creative pursuits, the more I see that I need to surround myself with people who are like those onions. They bring out the sweet stuff that’s hiding underneath the hard surface. They want to see me thrive.

As I give thanks for those friends, I pray I am that type of friend for them too. Lord, help me to be that friend.
A couple of years ago, I experienced decision fati A couple of years ago, I experienced decision fatigue unlike any other time of my life. In a season filled with highs and joyful moments, there were also days when I felt paralyzed. Fear of making the wrong choice darkened my thoughts like a constant bully, and I didn’t know which way to turn.

I wanted clarity and a crystal clear writing on the wall, telling me what to do. But it didn’t come. The lack of an answer when I prayed made me unsure of my footing, like I couldn’t move forward.

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. 

➡️ New post- link in bio

#decisionmaking #hopewriters #shiftyourmindset #amwriting #authorsofinstagram
#fridayintroductions Happy Friday, friends! This #fridayintroductions

Happy Friday, friends! This is me standing in the middle of our work-in-progress kitchen. We’ve been piecemealing a reno together for a few years now, and I’m smiling because the end is finally in sight.

The middle of things can feel messy, can’t it? Whether it’s a renovation, a project, or a big move, that middle place can be long and tiring. We may question a call we heard from God or even quit when it gets hard.

Here are 3 things I’ve learned about this place that help me keep going:

1. God doesn’t abandon us when we reach the middle of a task. He is the faithful God of the beginning, middle, and end.

2. The middle ground is often where we learn life skills we need most, like perseverance and determination.

3. When we reach the end of one goal or project, we sometimes find it is the middle of something else. There will always be another mountain to climb or place to aim for.

Although I can be impatient, I’m slowly learning to enjoy the journey. I know my soul was created to long for a future, but that future ultimately isn’t here. This is just the practicing ground for place far more beautiful.

#hopewriters #hisgrace #keepgoing #amwriting #shiftyourmindset #authorsofinstagram
My focus can admittedly be pretty narrow. I get ho My focus can admittedly be pretty narrow. I get honed in on that one goal or one problem I can’t seem to surmount. I look at what’s in front of me instead of remembering that my story doesn’t start or end there.

But God. He always sees. And I’m so grateful he sends there little reminders from fellow sojourners like Bob Goff to stop, to breathe and relax a bit. 

God is the master at creating beautiful pictures. Often, we just have to stop and readjust our lens. It’s only then that we’ll catch a tiny glimpse of what he’s doing. And sometimes, it takes our breath away.

#hopewriters #encouragingquotes #keepgoing #hisgrace #liveingracewalkinlove
His mercies are new each day. Happy Easter from ou His mercies are new each day. Happy Easter from our family to yours. 🌅🌷

#heisalive #hismerciesareneweverymorning #easter2021 #resurrectionsunday
I used to think big acts of faith were in the life I used to think big acts of faith were in the life-changing leaps. Cross-country moves. Chasing the dream that seems impossible. Getting up on the stage. And yes, each of things require faith and I believe each one is important. When God asked me to do each of them, my knees shook.

But here’s what I’ve found to be true - if they’re not done with love, they mean nothing. Love not only for God, but for others. Because the person who doesn’t love others can’t claim to love God.

The more I walk this road with Jesus, the more I see this: Big faith is reaching out to my neighbor, even when I’m not sure she’ll reciprocate. It’s making another attempt at connection, even when we’ve been humiliated by rejection. This is faith. These are the things that honor a God who faced the biggest rejection and humiliation of anyone.

Big faith doesn’t always require a leap. Sometimes it just means opening your door.

Will it be easy? No. But when we make those friendships and reach those who feel alone and lost, it’s more than worth it. It’s everything.

#amwriting #authorsofinstagram #hopewriters #keepgoing #communitymatters #cultivatewhatmatters
A gift that sits on a shelf, unopened, isn’t a g A gift that sits on a shelf, unopened, isn’t a gift that’s going to make a difference or impact. And it occurred to me as I was reading in Romans this morning - this is often how I treat God’s grace. I act as though it’s borrowed and he’s going to ask me to return it when I mess up or fall. I often walk as if at any moment he may say, “Nope, that’s it. No grace for you today.” 

Today I’m declaring: lie from the pit of the enemy.

When Paul talks about Christ’s work and our justification through his blood, he repeatedly uses the past tense. In other words, it’s already done. It’s not dependent on any works we do or will do. 

But we must do this: Receive it. Accept it. 
God’s grace is a gift freely offered to each of us, but like any gift it must be received to change who we are. 

Claim it as yours today and forever. And then, walk in it. 

#grace #faithwriter #hopewriters #writersofinstagram #amwriting #identityinchrist #christianblogger
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