Time to Unleash God?

Former Ambassador Tony Hall says that "It's time to unleash God." He is upset about the United State's government's proposed budget cuts. In an attempt to "call in God," he is going on a hunger strike; Obama's spiritual advisor, Jim Wallis, is also going on a hunger strike. They are asking other people around America to join in. Should we really talk about "unleashing God" though? God isn't a person that you can call in favors with. He truly is master of the universe. I personally think that it is a mistake to talk about unleashing God. You may get more than you bargain for.

The Power of Prayer and Fasting

Wallis and Hall are trying to reach God through prayer and fasting. This is a Biblical concept. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness at the start of his ministry on Earth. He spoke of prayer and fasting as a way to get prayers answered. Prayer and fasting can be a good way to get God's attention, as long as the prayers that you are trying to get answered are in line with God's will.

An Individual's Role in Giving

Hall and Wallis are protesting governmental budget cuts. They don't like the fact that aid to the impoverished will be cut if the government makes the budget cuts that it plans. The biggest problem is that God didn't create the government as a source of aid-giving. Not once did Jesus, Moses, or any of the other of God's leaders mention that it was the government's responsibility to give to the poor. Jesus always told individuals to give to the poor. Jesus told us to visit the widows and give to those in need. When the government does it in our place, it makes us feel as if it's not our responsibility, which it clearly is. If we see a need, whether in our backyard or overseas, we should do what we can to help, not expect the government to do anything. Wallis and Hall are not exactly following God's plan for giving in their hunger-strike pleas to God.

God Will Not Be Mocked

God will not be mocked: he isn't there to be ordered around like a bellboy. You can't "unleash God" on somebody or on a cause. Yes, you can ask for him to act on your behalf (and I personally have experienced many miracles when he has), but you can't expect him to do your bidding. He knows better than any of us here on Earth. There is a reason for everything; even to those events that we can't understand or we think are not good.

Furthermore, fasting and prayer are not activities that we are to publicly herald if we are looking to curry God's favor. Matthew 6:16 says that "when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward." So evidently, when you publicly declare to the world that you are fasting, your reward of appearing pious is already yours.

If anyone hopes to "unleash God" through any action of theirs, I admonish, be careful of what you wish for. God may not be on your side, and you don't want to be on the wrong side when he decides to unleash his power.

Sources:

Seidl, Jonathon M. "'It's Time to Unleash God': Jim Wallis & Co. Go on 'Hunger Fast' to Stop Budget Cuts". 4 April 2011, The Blaze.com.

The Bible.

"What's Your Fast?" Hungerfast.org.