Distraction, discomfort and disruption

When I was 19 I led a youth and churches ministry team visiting the nine churches in the seven towns around where I grew up. We visited schools, did assemblies, youth camps and ministered at church Services for a year. Before one of these church Services I distinctly remember praying, "Lord, may everything that happens at this Service be to your glory alone."

Halfway through the second song of the sung worship (which I led on guitar, alone) one of my guitar strings snapped. I kept on playing for what it was worth, because there were still two more songs to go! About two verses and a chorus later, another string snapped, rendering my guitar uselessly out of tune. We finished the song a capella, which was nice, but I was pretty shook up. Uncomfortable. Even angry, trying to figure out why this happened. Surely this was a spiritual attack! How could God allow this disruption, this distraction to happen while we were worshipping Him? How could He allow me being uncomfortable while leading people in worship? Oh, how young and naive I was...

I was reminded of this event recently when, before a Service at HTR, I again prayed, "Lord, may everything that happens at this Service be to your glory alone." And as soon as I spoke the words, a certain dread washed over me. Was my guitar strings going to make it through the sung worship in one piece? Should I expect any disruptions or distractions, even some discomfort? Will my beard be able to hide all the blushing that goes with things not going to plan in a rather obvious way? It was as if praying this prayer had become a sign that something bad and unexpected were going to happen...

Then the thought occurred to me: If all of this - the distractions, the disruptions, the discomfort - brings God glory, who am I not to want that? Who am I to get in the way of that happening? Isn't that what I prayed for in the first place?

So I realised:

• God can be glorified and worshipped in any circumstance. Even through the distractions, disruptions and discomfort of things not going to plan. This is only possible because God's glory will always be the same, regardless of our circumstance. God's glory and worth cannot be affected or limited by our circumstances (or planning...).
• Sometimes, in worship, it is better to be silent and uncomfortable than to fill uncomfortable silences with meaningless words.
• Disruptions, distractions and discomfort can often give us the shake-up needed to bring our focus, our attention, back to God where it belongs.
• Sometimes it's better to change a guitar's strings before they force me to do so during a church Service...

Under these circumstances I usually like to plan, to be as prepared as I possibly can. However, in all my preparation (which God uses to His glory), I should be just as prepared to follow His prompts and guidance courageously for His glory. And not just in worship. The same applies to our lives. It won't always be pretty, neat or clean, but if it brings God the glory due to His name, then I say bring it on.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have guitar strings to change...

Selah.