So Jehoahaz pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. 2 Kings 13:4 NKJV
I was living life on my own terms, without regard for the Lord. However, when I was in distress, I would pray to Him . . . and He would answer. Why would God answer someone who treated Him like a vending machine?
Jehoahaz, king of Israel, is a prime example. Not only did he live life on his own terms, but he also did evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 13:2). He worshipped a golden calf and made the whole nation sin in the same way.
In fact, King Jehoahaz was 11th in a long line of evil kings in Israel. Which is why God allowed their enemies to defeat them. Eventually, the whole nation was led away into captivity.
However, whenever the king turned his face to God, as King Jehoahaz did here, God saved them. Why would God answer an evil king whose nation totally disregarded Him?
God loves His kids! He is thrilled when we turn our eyes on Him. His heart is moved when we declare our love for and trust in Him. Even in our disobedience, God sends deliverance.
God longs to be gracious to us. He waits on high for us to turn our face to Him so He can have compassion on us (Is. 30:18).
Think about a time when God met you in your disobedience. Had it not been for His mercy and grace, where would you be? Spend some time reflecting and praising Him today for His love and rescue.