2 Chronicles 33:12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God! NLT
Mannaseh was the king of Southern kingdom of Judah. He was the son of the godly king, Hezekiah. His father executed reforms in Jerusalem by getting rid of idols. Manasseh, a wicked king, reversed these reforms and did much worse. The first five verses of 2 Kings 21 are a frank and stunning account of Manasseh’s apostasy. Manasseh was also a treacherous king, killing innocent people. Manasseh also shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end (2 Kings 21:16). He was pronounced by God to be more wicked than the Amorites who had lived in Canaan before they were displaced by Israel in an act of God’s judgment (2 Kings 21:11; see also 2 Chronicles 33:9).
God warned him severally but he didn't listen. So God sent the Assyrians who captured Manasseh and took him away to exile (2 Chronicles 33:11). It was while in exile that he repented and sought the Lord. Unfortunately, there are people like Manasseh today. He had a godly background but he deviated. When things were rossy for him, he persisted in his wickedness. It took adversity and uncommon distress to restore him. I want to tell you that you don't need adversity to make you closer to God. If Mannaseh had heeded the several warnings sent to him, he may not have gone into exile.
I have heard some people say, "we cannot know God or serve him except we go through pains". I do not agree totally with that statement. Enoch had a genuine walk with God. We were not told that God dealt with him to get his attention. Noah found favour with God and he was excluded from the wrath of God in his day because his life was pleasing to God. I am in no way saying believers are immune to the vicissitudes of life but the presence of challenges in our lives should not be self-induced. Manasseh invited adversity because of disobedience. Do not wait for distress to break you before you give your attention and commitment to God.
Father, I receive the grace to walk with you genuinely in Jesus name.