Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours? (1 Kings 3:9)

Most people believe that they are not leaders because there was never any authority given to them to lead. So they use that as an excuse not to lead. However, what if I told you that we fail to lead because our hearts are in the wrong place. Would that change how you lead the people around you? Solomon was a young man when he inherited a kingdom. Unlike other young leaders that inherit a kingdom, he did not ruin the kingdom. Rather, he made what he inherited better. He did not protect his inheritance, like most second generation leaders, rather he applied his passion, heart and understanding to grow it. A few verses before this we see Solomon fervently worshipping God. It is this passion that leads God to ask Solomon what his request is. The formula we see in this story is simple: passion+earnesty+godly intentions = God’s blessing to lead. When we passionately seek God, and earnestly seek Him for the sake of doing what God would do, then God will bless those things. He will give you a heart to lead and wisdom to discern that heart. The opportunity to lead is driven by your capacity to understand with your heart (I’m not talking about having a wide reaching flailing of emotions). God loves to give His people a heart to lead. However, if you don’t look for it and if you don’t ask God for it, you may be squandering the opportunity to lead the people God gave you. Find your passion. Seek God’s intentions. Ask God for an understanding heart today.