When they cried out to the Lord

But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them

Judges 3:15a (NKJV)

Yesterday, we saw how God left some of the Canaanite nations, so that he might test Israel. This was a result of their very own choice to not fully obey God. As they continued in their disobedience, the Lord gave them up to these nations. The Lord strengthened the other nations, and they subjected Israel to servitude. This was a reminder of Egypt – where they had come from.

One fascinating thing is that the Israelites experienced a lot of ‘Exodus’. They disobeyed God, and faced the consequences. Then they cry out to God and He delivers them. But, the question here is, “Why is God waiting for them to cry out before He delivers them, even when He knows that He is going to do so?”

The act of crying out to God consists of two things – Repentance and a call for deliverance. It is important to note that in the Spiritual realm, as Apostle Paul says in Rom 6:16; “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness”. Therefore, the law of the Spirit is that we must give permission for a Spirit Being to operate. Sin gives permission to the Devil and His agents. Our Prayer in obedience gives permission to God.

This is why it was necessary for Israel to repent of their sinful ways and turn to God, then they can call to Him for help and He would hear them and heal their land. Therefore, take a look at your life today, is there a need to cry out to God in repentance and deliverance today. He is always waiting for you to turn to Him no matter how far you think you might have gone. He is a merciful God. Cry out to Him today.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I come to you today in repentance. Look upon me with your mercy and forgive all my iniquities. Wash my sins away and save me from every consequence of my disobedience. I submit myself unto you today, help me to daily live my life to please you and teach me obedience to you.