It was the last night of Release the Writer. Dinner was delicious but later than usual because schedules are meant to be broken. Sessions had run longer.

It didn’t matter. Everyone was full of dedication to the task ahead—to write a book. Not just any book, God’s book, the one He has written on our hearts.

Much information had been disseminated about motivation, purpose, reaching the reader, sharpening the main idea, grammar, style, outlines, strategies, publishing, developing content, cover, price, launch, web presence, social media, building a platform.

We were full to overflowing. We had been given the tools. We knew what to do.  There was one session left and it was late already.

The Plan
It was slated as Commissioning on the schedule. It was meant to be a time when Wendy K Walters, the leader of Release The Writer workshop, and Dr. Philip Byler, her father and an author, would pray over us and commission us for the assignment God had given us.

The atmosphere was set at the Cedar Creek Resort Lodge. The fireplace blazed with warmth. We worshipped knowing He is the air we breathe, our daily bread, the holy presence living in us. A worship song continued playing over the sound system.

God had been invited to move in the workshop from the very beginning, during each session. He was the centerpiece of everything, the reason we were there.

Perhaps that’s why He knew He could take the plans and mold them the way He wanted.

God’s Plan
It was to be an individual time. Each person and their project would receive prayer. Nothing else was planned.

But God had more planned. As each person received prayer, things began to happen, deep, powerful, moving things. For one person it was extreme weeping for another joyous laughter. One young man wept in an embrace with Dr. Phil.  Another crumpled to his knees.

At one point, those who had been preparing the meals for us were invited to come down from the kitchen and receive prayer. The young lady returned from asking them and descended the stairs. She couldn’t take the next step in the room.

“Woah. There is a difference in the weight of the atmosphere here,” she said. I watched as she had a difficult time with the last two steps. The air was heavier than her feet. One does not come lightly into the presence of God.

Tangible Display
This kind of tangible display of God’s power scares some. I admit there was a time when it did me. It does not any more. I need Him so very much in my life. I am happy when He makes Himself known.

I believe God is eager to announce His presence. However, He is a gentleman. If we invite Him to move in us, set the stage for Him, open wide the gates, He will make Himself known.

For me it was as if gnarly, entangled vines were pulled from my gut, much the same as one would pull stubborn weeds from a garden. I felt it physically.

It was replaced with a peace which cannot be explained or “peace that transcends all understanding.” (Phil. 4:7)  That could be another article entirely.

Ask anyone who knows me. I always have a need to understand. God, however, many times cannot be understood by finite minds. He can only be trusted completely, unequivocally.

The Holy Spirit lives inside of every believer. I know He lives in me. I know His power is at work in me every single day. Sometimes, however, it’s just good to be reminded of His presence.

It’s also good to know the project I went to Release the Writer to get clarity on is more than a project. As Dr. Phil explained, “It is an assignment.” Click here to tweet that.

What happens when the power of God shows up? Frail, human lives are restored. Piercing wounds are healed. Overwhelming joy is instilled. Embedded roots of bitterness are removed. Embracing love is implanted.  Disabling fear is replaced with perfect love. Struggling writers are released.

We are His hands. We are commissioned to do the work He has given us. All we have to do is listen and obey.

What happens when God shows up in your life?

Teresa Shields Parker

Teresa Shields Parker is a Christian weight loss author, coach, podcaster, and speaker, who has lost 250 pounds and kept it off since 2013. Her books include: “Reconnecting Jayne: Her Sister’s Support,” “Rebuilding Jayne: Her Father’s Protection,”  “Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor,” “Sweet Grace Study Guide,”  “Sweet Victory: Winning the Battle,” “Sweet Surrender: Breaking Strongholds,” “Sweet Journey to Transformation: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Live Healthy”, “Sweet Freedom: Losing Weight and Keeping It Off With God’s Help,” “Sweet Freedom Study Guide,” “Sweet Change: True Stories of Transformation,” “Sweet Hunger: Developing an Appetite for God,” and “Sweet Excuses: Stop Lying to Yourself & Start Losing Weight.” She also offers Overcomers Christian Weight Loss Academy and VIP intensive coaching. Don’t miss her weekly podcast, Sweet Grace for Your Journey, where she shares tips from her personal journey of losing weight and discovering healthy living. Contact her at [email protected].