"Now, why do you cry out loudly?  Is there no king among you, or has your counselor perished, that agony has gripped you like a woman in childbirth?  Writhe and labor to give birth, daughter of Zion, like a woman in childbirth; for no you will go out of the city, dwell in the field, and go to Babylon.  There you will be rescued; there the Lord will redeem you from the hand of your enemies.  And now many nations have been assembled against you who say, 'Let her be polluted, and let our eyes gloat over Zion.'  But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord, and they do not understand His purpose; for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.  Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion, for your horn I will make iron and your hoofs I will make bronze, that you may pulverize many peoples, that you may devote to the Lord their unjust gain and their wealth to the Lord of all the earth."

The first 8 verses of this chapter are all about the rescue of the remnant.  This is good news for the people of Israel.  Verses 9-13 speak to the requirements of that rescue.  In other words, what will have to take place for that rescue to be effective.

Micah describes the nation of Israel like a mother giving birth.  Writhe and labor...  There you will be rescued...

There is much dedication and devotion that must happen in order for the remnant to be free.  Jesus told His disciples, "This one comes out only by prayer and fasting..."

Something is required.  Not to gain God's love, but to gain abundant life.  The Lord will send rescue, but we must prepare for it!

He who is like Jehovah makes his heart ready for life.