Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God

by Abby McDonald

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.

Genres: Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2020

About the author

Abby McDonald is a writer, speaker, wife, and mom whose work has been featured on (in)Courage, For Every Mom, Crosswalk, and more. She also writes for Proverbs 31 Ministries' daily devotional, Encouragement for Today. Her passion is to empower women to grow in faith and hope, even when life is messy. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of South Carolina, and loves to teach about writing at conferences each year. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her wrangling her three kids and black lab while drinking copious amounts of coffee. Abby lives with her husband and three children in western Maryland. You can connect with her at abbymcdonald.org.

Reviews

[Abby McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book, my best work to date, and hopefully not my last.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shift by Abby McDonald is a fresh way to look at and recognize the presence of God. Each chapter includes self study questions called Adjusting Our Lens to ask yourself that are very helpful. The chapter on legalism is extremely important to me because I have been in legalistic churches before and it is easy to fall into that mindset. The Adjusting Our Lens questions asked at the end of each chapter really give the reader a chance for insight and a new perspective. Other chapters include Invisible or Not? This is about missing things on the journey because you are focused on the final destination. I also found the chapter When “No” Is God’s Saving Grace extremely insightful. Who hasn’t been disappointed when No is the answer to a prayer, and then received something even better instead? The author tells us that “No is just a much of a product of His grace as Yes.” Such a poignant reminder. These are just a few examples of the fresh perspectives in this book. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to look at God with a new focus.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers. My review is voluntary.

Visit this link for a free giveaway of this book on my blog. The random drawing is the Sunday, March 21st, 9 a.m. EST.
https://bonniereadsandwrites.wordpres...

[Katie M. Reid]

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

[Kristine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's conversational style makes this a great book for those relaxed reading days, but it also has many deep scriptural truths to explore for those times when I want to dig deeper into God's Word. It encourages readers while answering that big question - how to experience God's presence more fully. I highly recommend it!

[Susan Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Abby McDonald’s words shift my thinking. And that is powerful. Her goal is to Shift our focus back to Who matters so what we do matters. So Shift. Now

You wanna read it so you too can Shift.

[Betsy Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy to read and so encouraging!

If you're struggling right now, or feeling invisible, or just not sure what on earth God is doing in your life, this book will encourage you to shift your focus away from problems and towards the presence of God.

Like a friend, Abby comes alongside us and weaves great stories from real life into her message of hope. Shift is encouraging me to seek God in the middle of my struggles and to focus on His presence with me more than on expectations of what I wish were happening in my life right now.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shift has been an absolute encouraging and engaging read. Abby has a gift for finding the fingerprints of God in the happenings of life. And not only does she find them, but Abby helps you start to see them in your own. It was a blessing for my heart and a balm for my soul. I look forward to processing even more deeply. I discovered there is freedom in letting go of my control and letting my heart give in to the God who stays with me, permanently because He loves me and has plans for me. Plans that may not match my goals but are so much better.

Read with a highlighter and a note pad because you are going to make notes as you go.

[Lyli Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really encouraging and I believe God used this book to speak truth to me that isn’t always easy to hear. Abby has proven to be a reliable teacher of the Bible, and I trust her insight. I love her humble, personal stories and the way she relates to her readers in a compassionate, gentle way. Great book.

[Bethany McIlrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby McDonald’s book Shift is helpful not only for recognizing God’s presence, but also understanding the implications of having a perspective that aligns with who He is. Walking through a variety of struggles and seasons we tend to face, McDonald contrasts the natural perspectives we tend to take with a view illuminated by our Savior.

For instance, McDonald digs into the difference between obeying God based on the results we anticipate versus the next step of faith He asks us to take. In another chapter, she explores the views we hold in reaction to God saying “no,” then reorients us to seeing His grace even in that type of circumstance.

Some of the topics addressed include:

-Faith in times of uncertainty
-God’s plan versus our plans
-When we need to stay put
-Continuing through the daily grind
-The fruit of suffering

Written in a clear, engaging manner, Shift is a surprisingly “light” read even though heavy, deep topics are addressed. Several easy-to-read charts create opportunities to contrast different perspectives. McDonald uses illustrations from life and shares how God has shifted her own perspective. The focus of the book is clearly on God’s character and what goodness we find when we look to Him.

It’s hard to choose only a few quotes from this precious book because it means so much to me in ways I’m not sharing on the internet just yet.

Here are a few peeks into the perspective Shift offers:

-Instead of expecting God's best, I ask him to protect me from the worst.
-Hardship causes us to see God’s presence as a gift rather than an entitlement.
-Sometimes staying in the place God gives us takes more faith than moving a mountain.
-When our love for God motivates us, everything else falls into place.
-Our focus must shift from changing results to His unchanging love.

If you couldn’t already tell, I heartily recommend Shift, to anyone, anytime. But, if you’re in a season of struggle or transition, whether for obvious reasons or causes you can’t figure out, Shift is especially for you.

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[Sarah Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a Christian my whole life, so I can be a bit of a skeptical reader. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading "Shift" but I was so pleased to discover the nuggets of wisdom and truth peppered throughout this book! With personal stories and insight, Abby McDonald reminded me that God is always with me... even in a crisis, even in doubt, even in the drudgery of mom life, even when nothing is going my way. After reading her words, I felt so encouraged to shift my perspective away from myself and my circumstances and instead to redirect my focus to God. I was especially inspired by chapters 9 and 10, when she talks about when God says "no," and the faith we find in staying. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to draw closer to God!

[Doris Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through personal stories, biblical truth, and straight-up honesty, Abby helps us see how a shift in our focus changes everything. When we take that step to make that shift, we begin to see how God's plans for us are far better than anything we could ever orchestrate on our own. When we listen we can hear Him and when we adjust our lens we can see Him. God is right there in the midst of our mess, and when we trust in Him, God is faithful to reveal Himself to us in a personal way. Abby has brought this truth to light and also shares inspiring and memorable quotes throughout the book. A definite must-read and wonderful gift filled with grace and truth.

[Susan Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated Abby's transparent, insightful story-telling abilities as she reveals and weaves together; God's genuine love for us, His relentless pursuit of a relationship with us, and how He never leaves us. She shows us the power of a shift in perspective - that only time can bring as we look back on our journey to see what God has done in our lives. We learn about the importance of seeing ourselves through God's lens and speaking His truth into our lives... rather than through the lens of the world and the lies the world wants us to believe. I encourage you to read Shift... changing your focus to see the presence of God in the everyday moments of your life.

[Nicole O'Meara · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHIFT is all about changing your perspective. Abby gently reminds her readers that if we just change a few things, we can see God at work in every situation. I especially appreciated her story of Lisa whose husband died suddenly leaving a widow with seven children. Through circumstances that leave most of us in despair, God revealed himself at work in Lisa's heart through her daily meeting with him in his Word. SHIFT would make a great gift for anyone finding it difficult to see our good God at work in their hard situation.

[Gina Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great read for anyone who is in a time of waiting or needs to shift their focus. Abby draws the reader to examine their lives through the use of her story, Biblical examples, and adjusting our lens questions at the end of each chapter. I love the quote from pages 142-143 that seem to summarize this concept. “Staying faith means continuing to work though our current situation, even when the well appears to be dry....It requires us to shift our focus from what we feel to what we know-that God has called and equipped us.”

[Valerie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at just the right time in my life when I needed to change my perspective. Abby McDonald's beautiful and easy-to-read writing felt comforting and gently guided and helped me shift my attitude. There are so many great quotes throughout. There are few books I treasure enough to keep forever—this is one of them.

[Jill Hoven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what so many of us need to hear. It not only confirms God’s love and desire for us but shows us how when we shift to God’s way of thinking, our issues shrink in His care. Changing our focus to sense God’s presence changed my life and Abby gave words to how this can happen for all of us, if only we make that Shift. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come!

[Corella Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are definitely a ton of truth bombs in this book! Abby's faith is sincere and it shines through the text.

[Lila Diller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to have to do this, but honestly, I just can't recommend this book to anyone that I can think of. I won this book in a giveaway, but I don't think I would have picked it up on my own. I encouraged my sister to also buy it so that we could read it together. That was a mistake. Neither one of us got much out of it.

Though there were a few good nuggets, the majority was fluff.

I think the problems stem from three big issues:
1. I don't know who the audience is. The back cover copy says that it's for women who feel like God is invisible. But except for the first couple of chapters, this book didn't really address this one pain point. It was a collection of several life lessons that didn't really mesh together into one overarching message. I kept thinking that I must not be the right audience. But I can't think who is.
2. I think this was the wrong format. I think the vignettes used as illustrations in individual chapters would have made more impact as devotionals or social media posts. They probably already have. But just because they resonated individually doesn't mean they should be packaged into a book. This may not be the author's fault so much as it follows from the culture's expectations in general (and Compel's in specific, as I too have been involved with that group). The result is that so many words were added for an arbitrary word count goal by the industry. The resulting fluff was so boring and inapplicable. The questions at the end of each chapter were vague and not helpful, either. Many of them weren't even questions but what almost felt like preaching, telling us to do some practice or other but assuming we needed it. Maybe this goes back to the confusion about the audience.
3. I didn't resonate with the style. I don't know if it's the author's metadiscourse or the editor's ruthless surgery of any personality (except for sentence fragments, “Jesus's,” and lowercase pronouns relating to God, which all drove me crazy), but many times the flow was very choppy and even confusing. For instance, I don't even have an idea of how the last chapter fits into the overall message. Also, I feel like we skipped the small talk of a first date and were rushed right into a committed relationship before she even gained our trust. Some of the examples were very personal – in fact, too specific to her life to be very relatable to me. My single sister found even less to relate to.

Favorite quotes:
“We don't have to wait until we're on the other side of the struggle, the wilderness, or the tired monotony of our days to know God. We can know him right here, right now.” (p. 12)

“We need to look at the work he's already doing instead of the answer we haven't received.” (p. 18)

“While my worst-case scenario type thinking can certainly make me ready for things that may or may not happen, it can also blind me to the good happening all around.” (p. 30)

“We often question God when struggles come too, don't we? This is especially true when we are sure we were following his call and taking a step of obedience. We expect the confirmation from him to come in the form of abundance and blessing... he often takes us through a season that may seem like a detour. He is continually refining us.” (p. 32)

“And even though Christ's blood covers those of us who believe, we still live in a fallen world ruled by an enemy who never quits.” (p. 73)

“In a world where people believe truth is fluid, followers of God build altars to remind them it's unchanging.” (p. 86)

“He says to do it all to the glory of God. Every word we speak. Every action we perform. Why? Because to Jesus, all of it is important.” (p. 104-105)

“In a world that says, 'Do,' Jesus simply says, 'Come.' … Leave the checklist... Instead of being motivated by fear of rejection, we're motivated by trust.” (p. 118)

“Surrendering to his will is not a punishment. It's my invitation to freedom.” (p. 125)

“His no is good and his yes is good because it's impossible for him to be anything less.” (p. 140)

(I received a copy for free in a giveaway. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever found it difficult to trust in and believe the best about God when trials, challenges, or suffering come? If you have ever experienced this, writer Abby McDonald has written just the book for you. When we face these hard parts of life, we can view them as punishment and begin to (wrongly) believe that God doesn't love us, that He does not have good plans for us, or that He is not good. This does happen, and it makes our times of suffering even more difficult, if we begin to believe the lie that God is not on our side.

McDonald has walked through hard times, faced the struggle to believe God, and come out on the other side with 13 chapters to help believers to grow and stand in the truth. She discusses topics like: trusting God; holding to and believing the Scriptures about His character and His love for us; remembering to communicate with Him honestly about our struggles; learning to ask Him what His next step is for us instead of demanding answers and explanations; and so much more.

McDonald writes with grace, truth, and love to encourage readers to refocus our lenses so that we can see and experience God's presence in all our moments, good and bad. Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God is definitely a book you'll want to have in your library.

I received a copy of this book from The BlogAbout Blogger Network. All opinions are my own.

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, I was instantly captivated by the book title, Shift - Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God. As a goal-oriented person, I tend to look for the final outcome to determine my personal success or failure. This is probably a bad habit I picked up in childhood along with the personality of a perfectionist.

Abby in her book encourages us to adjust our perspective to take a closer looks at the Lord himself.

“If we want to see God in the midst of our struggles, we have to change the way we look for Him.” Abby McDonald.

I just love the thought of looking for God. We so often take for granted that we know Him, but do we really KNOW Him?

Abby challenges the reader to stop and look for Jesus in the middle of our mess instead of rushing past those moments in which we are invited into his presence.

“We look at our changing scenery instead of an unchanging God. We look at objects that are moving around us and become dizzied instead of keeping our eyes fixed on the truths we know of our Helper.” Abby McDonald

I found my present circumstances written in Abby’s carefully penned chapters. I was inspired to reconsider what I believe about suffering and hardship as I lean into Jesus during difficult times.

A source of biblical wisdom and thoughtful encouragement, Shift is a must-read for those who are facing disappointment or discouragement.

[Rebecca Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest stories, solid Biblical foundation and help that feels doable. Shift will help you think about your faith and who you are in new ways without pressing you to become better or do more. It’s a quiet conversation with a friend that changes your perspective in little ways that make a big difference.

[Eva Leppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. There are so many things published that claim to give you the tools or the recipe to cennect with God, or to enrich your faith life- Ive read many of them! Shift really does, in my opinion, offer something real and concrete. Real life stories couples with ideas that are useful and attainable in out attempt to see the presence of God. I will be buying a hard copy copy of this because I need to attack it with my highlighter!

[Sheila Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year I felt God telling me to look at my Spiritual life in a new perspective. Shift has truly helped me see that different perspective. This is a great book for new Believers and those who feel like lukewarm, pew fillers. Are you questioning your current identity? Do you feel you've lost your purpose in life? Read Shift! It will open your mind to the things that truly matter and guide you to the path God has set before you.

[Traxyj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shift by Abby McDonald is a wonderful read. I wasn't sure what to expect as I have read a number of books about the thought life but I have to say I have not read a book quite like this one. As I read it I felt as though I was sitting across the table with the author having a cup of tea. The life stories sprinkled throughout each chapter gives us a glimpse into the authors life and had me saying "me too! thank goodness I'm not alone in this" which is such an encouragement. My favourite thing about the book was that it didn't just tell you how to shift your focus,to see the presence of God it showed you. At the end of each chapter there are prompts under the heading "Adjust Our Lens" which gives us opportunity to think, journal, process and practically apply what was learnt. This is definitely a book I would like to read again. No matter what season you are in, whether it be a season of waiting, a season of change, a season of loss or a season of abundance this book is for you.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby McDonald has taken everyday, ordinary life situations and has shown us how to consider our circumstances in light of God's presence instead of what we see with our physical eyes. Her illustrations are relatable to anyone who has ever dealt with loss, had a difficult (eccentric?) neighbor, or taken a toddler on an airplane.

Shift invites us to redirect our focus from our problems, stressors, and fears of the unknown and to set our gaze upon the certainty of God's character and his faithful word. The best part is that Abby doesn't talk about faith from a theoretical perspective; she gives us practical tools and shows us how we can know God's presence in the middle of the the mundane.

If you've ever wanted to experience Jesus outside of a Sunday worship service, this book is written just for you.

[Delores Moskal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby writes with an amazing perspective of who are our Heavenly Father is...Our God wants to be a part of our lives. She shows how our relationship with Him can become richer and more meaningful. The best part is we can lead others to God.
Abby said, "We are one of the primary ways an invisible God makes himself visible to others."
I hung onto every word and have many highlights through her book. Abby writes with ease. The evidence shows God is cheering her on as she writes.

[Andrea Thalheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. For me the following quote from the book sums up why you need to read the book: "What is the one thing hindering your soul from freedom and transformation? We can try to hide it or pretend it isn't holding us back, but we can't fool God. And He will use whatever means necessary to prompt our hearts toward change."

I have been dealing with some health issues and I think this is the "means" that God is using to prompt my heart. I have been "stuck" and I think Abby is helping me make the shift in my thinking so I can move forward and be healed.

Thanks Abby!!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are living in a time that is difficult for many. A pandemic, political and racial tension, fear, and financial struggles only begin to graze the surface of what people are walking through daily. Shift, by: Abby McDonald, is a great read because it encourages us to "change our focus to see the presence of God" despite the challenging circumstances that we are facing. This book, filled with personal and relatable stories and advice, talks about putting our hope in God's plan instead of in our own, moving forward in faith, and how changing our perspective can be life changing. After each chapter, there are "adjusting our lens" questions that help you to apply what that chapter focused on and dig deeper.

The most meaningful chapter of this book for me was "Hope in God's Plan or Our Own?". It is so easy to get caught up in the suffering and trials of this life, and feel like nothing good can come of any of it. But, God can use anything and everything for his purpose. McDonald encourages us in this chapter to "worship instead of worry" and remember that "Suffering trains our eyes to see God in places we've never noticed him, because when we suffer we become more like him than ever before." I admit that I often do not have this mindset, especially when I am worried or upset, so this chapter was a really good reminder and wake up call for me.

Some quotes that really stood out to me from this book were:

"Faith is activated not by seeing, but by doing, even when we don't know what the result will be."
"Hardship causes us to see God's presence as a gift rather than an entitlement."
"There is a place in each of our souls that longs for significance, but until we recognize the One who truly sees us, we will spend our lives lost and wandering."
"Surrendering to his will is not a punishment. It's my invitation to freedom."
"Our culture teaches us to love only when it's reciprocated, but others see Jesus in us when it's without reserve."

I highly recommend this book because, as I mentioned early, it is a very timely message. It is engaging, and full of advice and wisdom that will draw us closer to God.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This past year has been quite a difficult season for most of us - physically, emotionally, relationally, mentally, and spiritually. In a world where isolation is now celebrated and encouraged, I know that I have felt the effects of loneliness, anxiety, and depression even more than ever. God created us for community. He created us to long for His presence and the presence of others within our lives.

Abby McDonald's book comes at the perfect time. She writes that no matter our circumstances, no matter the season we may be walking through, we can still choose to see God in our lives, right here, right now. For His presence always remains. He never leaves us. We are the ones that must change the way we look for Him.

She encourages,

“What if the seasons when we wonder where He is are the times when He is doing some of His mightiest work? We may not be able to see what He’s doing or receive the answer to our prayer, but when we shift our view and stick close to Him, others see Him...As we pray and follow His commands, His Spirit is evident in our lives. Often, we’re not aware of the way His light is shining in the midst of our difficulties.”

When we humble ourselves before the Lord, ask for His help and guidance, His love and light within us will shine brighter and brighter and we will be the visible evidence of an invisible God.

If you are looking for encouragement in a dry or difficult season, Abby’s book is a perfect read. She includes so many practical ways throughout her book to strengthen your faith and relationship with God so that you can truly experience the fullness of His presence as you journey through difficult or unexpected circumstances.

Elizabeth A. Fry | mamasoulcare.com