Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

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5 Ways to Promote Unity in the Church

February 24, 2015 by Abby McDonald

  One word can change everything. Our interpretation can be altered with just a few letters and the way we string those letters together can make an undeniable difference in the impact they have. For years, I thought I knew a popular verse in scripture. When I came to it, I quickly skimmed over it and move forward because I didn’t think there was anything new for me to digest. Last week, I realized how how wrong I was. Two words jumped off the page of my Bible. “And we know that in all things Continue Reading

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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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. 

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#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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