When God shows up

“and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.” 2 Chronicles 5:14
Sometimes we’ll be trying to serve God – it may be in a church service, or teaching a home group, or leading a children’s programme – and God will interrupt proceedings. It may be a word and interpretation in tongues, a word of prophecy, a move of the Spirit’s peace, a question or statement from a child, and so on, that is unscripted and unpredicted. We can have several reactions to this: we might try to carry on (and thus risk quenching the Spirit, 1 Thess. 5:19), or we can be open to what God is saying through that thing that seems to be an interruption. Whatever is from God, is always for the better.
Think of the scene in 2 Chron. 5: the temple is complete and the ark of the covenant is being brought to it. The priests in their robes, offering incense and sacrifices to God, the music and celebration of the people. But then, God takes first place. The cloud of His glory fills the temple. How much better is God’s glory than the finery man can produce! Wouldn’t you rather enjoy the tangible presence of God, than be entertained by a Christian show (as so many church services are becoming these days)? So, if you are the one being interrupted, don’t immediately react negatively and get upset. Rather, recognise if God is moving, and if so, go with the flow.