HUMILITY: THE PRICE FOR THE PRIZE. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE
"I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes."
Daniel 9:2-3

OBSERVATION
Daniel realized from the Scriptures that God's promise for Jerusalem's restoration was due. 70 years of captivity came to an end, but Jerusalem remained in ruins and the temple was inoperable. Instead of doubting God, Daniel takes boldly the role of an intercessor and comes with great devotion to God's presence to plea in fasting and prayer. He comes to the Lord with humility, not demanding God's fulfillment of His promise. He is repentant, recognizing that God's mercy is not earned by personal merit. He simply believes what God said, and He is going to seek and wait in the Lord until the promise becomes a reality.

APPLICATION
There are so many promises of God that are due in our lives and that are not being fulfilled, not because God is incapable, but because we are not participants in claiming their fulfillment. Daniel trusted God, but he understood his own responsibility in God's plan for His people. When a promise is not being fulfilled, the heart of a leader will rise to the occasion. Shepherds shine when they put on the intercessory hat. Leaders grow when they seek and wait in the Lord for the fulfillment of God's promises. God is looking for leaders with big hearts that not only believe and trust His promises, but that are also are willing to pay a price for the prize. Humility is the currency leaders use to align their lives with God's plans. And humility is only mined in God's presence, praying and fasting, in repentance and silence before a holy God.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, recently I've been reminded of the triple H character pattern that those in leadership are called to follow, especially the value of holiness. This includes my responsibility to see you plan, not mine, happening in the people you have called me to lead. Please give me Daniel's heart to humble himself and intercede according to your plan. There are so many promises for our hurch and for my personal life that will only become reality as I partner with you in prayer and fasting. Let me be humble before you. Let me pay the price for the prize.