Sometimes I allow dishes in the sink to soak a while before I begin washing them.  Occasionally, I will detect that some of the water has leaked out of the sink when I get ready to wash.  I realize that a defective "stopper" must be the problem.  The only solution would be to get a new "stopper" for the drain to stop the leak.

In the passage above, God was concerned because the people were more concerned about their own homes, situations, etc., than His.  The Lord told the people to "consider their ways."

  

The passage tells us that God"intentionally" allowed several things to happen because of their attitudes: 1. He withheld the dew from the sky (vs. 11); 2. He allowed the earth to keep fruit from growing (vs. 11); and 3. He allowed a drought that affected the production of grain, new wine, oil, men, cattle, and the labor of the people (vs. 11).

  

Does it seem that no matter how hard you work, you can never get ahead financially?  Have you considered your ways?  Do you believe that God is glorified through our actions when we do well?  Do you believe that God takes pleasure in our giving when we do it according to His will?  Is it possible that God may be allowing a "leak" in some of our situations because we are putting His business secondary to our business.  I think it may be time for us to, "CONSIDER OUR WAYS."  I am "not" saying that everyone who is suffering through this difficult time had any part in causing it to happen.  Truly our hearts go out to the victims of these occurrences.  However, I do believe that we can all consider our ways in asking God to intervene and turn things around.

Here is the good news!  In Haggai 2:19b, God told the people that from that day He would bless them (in response to CONSIDERING THEIR WAYS.)  God wants to bless His people.  He loves us and promises strength and guidance when we give Him first place in our lives.